Governor seeking resolution for US seized medical supplies - Hon Malone
"I have since reported the incident to the governor who would through diplomatic channels, be able to find ways in which we could get the goods released," Hon Malone told JTV via a social media video released yesterday, April 10, 2020.
Supplies worth some 12K - Hon Malone
According to information, the supplies; including masks, gloves and medication, were seized on Thursday, April 9, 2020, and the issues were brought to the attention of the Virgin Islands (VI) Government by CEO of BVIHSA, Dr Ronald E. Geotges.
The Minister said, "It was a $12,000 order, not much in the whole scheme of things, but we want to make sure that we have a clear path to purchases for medical replacement supplies through the United States."
And only last week, US authorities seized 20 ventilators destined for Barbados and the country's Minister of Health and Wellness, Lieutenant Col Jeffrey Bostic revealed the ventilators were donated to the Barbados Government as an act of philanthropy but were barred from exportation.
Trump eased restrictions
Faced with local criticism of his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with cries of shortages from hospitals on the front lines of the crisis, President of the United States, Donald J. Trump (R) on Friday, April 3, 2020, had imposed a ban on exports of N95 masks, surgical gloves and other protective equipment.
The president moved to ease the restrictions on Monday, April 6, 2020, following backlash, saying the 3M Company had agreed to produce 55 million masks a month for local healthcare workers and to import 167 million masks made by its facilities in China.
3M later announced that it allowed to continuing exporting some masks to Canada and Latin America from the U.S, but noted that the fate of exports to other parts of the world remained unclear.
FEMA ultimately determines faith
However, on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, it was announced that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will hold exports of respirators, surgical masks and surgical gloves, according to a joint announcement made with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
It was reported that FEMA will then determine if the equipment should be returned for use in the United States, purchased by the U.S. government or exported.
Hon Malone as part of his statements said with the Governor Jaspert's intervention, the VI is looking to have the issue resolved effectively, "we would be grateful if this can be handled and handled effectively by the UK Government and the US Government, so I see no issue in terms of it getting and being resolved," he said.
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16 Responses to “Governor seeking resolution for US seized medical supplies - Hon Malone”
His role is not to undermine the democratically elected government, hope he understands that from today
I am confident,that His Excellency,the governor will use his diplomatic authority through the UK, to get our well-needed items from the usa.
Stay strong bvi.