Given the rate at which COVID-19 vaccine is taking time to hit the market, and the chances that bigger countries may hoard it, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit stated that Dominica may be among the last countries to obtain the vaccine. No effective coronavirus vaccines have been approved for administration yet, but Skerrit called for universal access when they are eventually available.
Skerrit said he is not criticizing big countries with medical and technological capabilities to develop COVID-19 vaccines for caring for their citizens and residents first, but urged the WHO, UN, and PAHO to ensure that smaller and developing countries have immediate access to them when they are available.
We’re not sure if the vaccines will be ready in months or years, but whenever it’s ready, it will take us some time to get it. This is why we are advocating as a developing country for universal access to the vaccines – and to ensure that the WHO and PAHO and the UN can advocate that countries like ours have immediate access to the vaccines when they are developed.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit: Prime Minister of Dominica
Meanwhile, former government minister Catherine Daniel has expressed surprise that some people do not still believe in the reality of the coronavirus pandemic. She urged people in her Colihaut constituency to believe that COVID-19 is real, adding that she does not want to see anyone die of the disease in her area. She urged everyone to continue to adhere to health protocols instituted by the Ministry of Health as they pertain to using face mask, washing the hands regularly, and observing social distancing among others.
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