Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, Ms. Najan Christopher, represented the Territory on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Development Hon. Carvin Malone. Photo: Provided

This is according to a press release which stated that Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, Ms. Najan Christopher, represented the Territory on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Development Hon. Carvin Malone.

In a statement to the meeting, Ms. Christopher said, “Thus far 15% of our population has been vaccinated and we anticipate that within the next two months we would have passed the 70% threshold.”

She went on to say, “We have generously received shipments of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the UK Government and also from the Commonwealth of Dominica. We are grateful to both. We are also procuring additional doses under the COVAX facility.”

Commenting on the BVI’s update at the ACS meeting, the Minister of Health and Social Development Hon. Carvin Malone said, “I am pleased that our regional partners are now aware of the status of the BVI’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Our ongoing vaccine rollout will dramatically reduce the health risks posed to the public by the virus. Achieving the 70 per cent vaccination threshold among the population will have a positive effect both socially and economically on the society. Greater health security will improve our economic outlook and social interaction as we work to accelerate recovery from the pandemic. We will continue to discuss with our regional partners how we can collectively accelerate progress on this front.”

The BVI delegation included Director of the International Affairs Secretariat Ms Najan Christopher, Assistant Secretary for External Affairs Ms. Dwynel Davis, Programme Officer Ms. Xyrah Wheatley and Special Envoy of the Premier Mr. Benito Wheatley. 

The BVI is an Associate Member of the Association of Caribbean States.