MFAFT Lauds India’s Support to Jamaica in COVID-19 Fight

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, has lauded India’s support to Jamaica and the region in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Speaking at a recent reception held at India House, 2 East King’s House Road, Kingston by the High Commission of India to commemorate the 73rd Republic Day of India, Senator Johnson Smith said that India has donated over 14 million doses of vaccines to several developing countries.

“In March 2021, India was the first country to respond to Jamaica’s request for assistance, with the donation of 50,000 doses of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccines,” she said.

She said that India has provided medical equipment and services valued at approximately J$10 million as well as previous assistance in Jamaica’s fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Additionally, the Minister also expressed Jamaica’s appreciation to the High Commission for hosting several free medical camps in Kingston in December last year and in Mandeville in January.

“I reiterate our deep appreciation for this generous contribution to our nation’s development, particularly in health and wellness,” she added.

She said that the Indian Government through its Technical and Economic Cooperating (ITEC) Programme, has also provided support in education and training; science and technology; and business and infrastructure development.

“Jamaica has also benefitted from India’s leadership in South-South Cooperation, having recently received approval for a US$1 million grant for the development of the Kitson Town community in St. Catherine,” she said.

In his remarks, High Commissioner of the Republic of India His Excellency Rungsung Masakui, said that the relationship between India and Jamaica “is deep, profound and bound by elements of both tangibles and intangibles.”

He said that the High Commission has engaged with the people of Jamaica by providing over 18 free medical camps to community members. He added that about 2000 persons attended the camps for basic tests, check-ups and free medicines.

“An India-Jamaica Friendship Garden has also been set up in the Hope Botanical Gardens. In all of these endeavours, our effort is to promote greater camaraderie and cohesion between the Indian and the Jamaican communities,” he added.