The United States Embassy recently donated $US30,000 worth of personal protective equipment COVID-19 related supplies to Dominica’s Office of Disaster Management to assist Dominica’s efforts to combat and control the COVID-19 pandemic. “These supplies will support national efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that the success gained thus far by Dominica in the fight against this pandemic will be maintained,” said Fitzroy Pascal, National Disaster Coordinator for Dominica’s Office of Disaster Management. “The provision of COVID-19 supplies by the United States Military Liaison Office is much appreciated by the Office of Disaster Management.”

Acquired through the U.S. Southern Command’s Humanitarian Assistance Program, the donated supplies are intended for use by Ministry of Health personnel, first responders and front-line workers intended to operate hurricane shelters in the case of a potential storm. “Working with our regional partners to fight the global pandemic while improving safety and security continues to be a priority,” said U.S. Coast Guard Commander Steve Charnon, Senior Defense Official at the U.S. Embassy in Barbados. “This donation is a reflection of the U.S. assisting and meeting challenges together with our partners. The PPE will help Dominica continue to fight the pandemic as well as increase preparedness for the current hurricane season.”

The total donation included over 700 cases of surgical masks, 15 cases of N-95 masks, 10 cases of medical-grade latex gloves and 3,000 bottles of rubbing alcohol. This PPE donation is part of nearly US$3 million in COVID-19 response assistance to the Eastern Caribbean from the U.S. Government.  It supports the U.S.-Caribbean Resilience Partnership, a collaborative effort to build regional capacity to confront disaster response and promote strong communities.