The United States Government today made good on its commitment to the Government and people of Jamaica with the donation of the first tranche of Pfizer vaccines. This initial shipment consists of 208,260 doses, augmented by kits that include syringes, needles, and dilutants needed to administer the vaccines. This tranche of donations is the first of multiple shipments that will arrive from the U.S. in the coming weeks and months. These highly anticipated vaccines represent one of the largest donations by a single government and will strengthen the island’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Scott Feeken led the Mission’s official handover to the island’s government, represented by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Speaking at the event Chargé Feeken said, “the United States is committed to bringing the same urgency to international vaccination efforts that we have demonstrated at home. Thanks to the ingenuity of U.S. scientists and the resilience and commitment of the American people, we can now help others. We are sharing these vaccines to save lives and to lead the world in bringing an end to the pandemic.”
Since the start of this global crisis, the U.S. Embassy has taken a strong multi-agency approach, contributing over US$10 million dollars in support of virus prevention and control throughout Jamaica. This includes a donation of a field hospital and a host of medical supplies supporting the island’s health, education, and security sectors.
These vaccines are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to share America’s vaccine supply, as we continue to fight COVID-19 globally. In this unique moment in history President Biden has pledged that the United States will be an arsenal of vaccines for the world and will continue to do all it can to build a world that is safer and more secure against the threat of infectious disease.