Dominica receives a huge donation of face masks from China

The government of Dominica on Friday received a donation 100,000 face masks from the People's Republic of China. Chinese Ambassador to Dominica Lin Xianjiang handed over the masks to Health Minister Irving McIntyre and Foreign Minister Kenneth Darroux.

A small handover ceremony was held at the Chinese embassy in Canefield, Dominica, where officials from both countries were presented.

Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, expressed his gratitude to China for the generous donation. He stated that China continues to support Dominica's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China and Dominica have stood by one other since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting bilateral relations to new heights. Just a few weeks ago, Dominica and China signed a visa-waiver agreement, allowing all Dominican citizens to get visa-free access to the Asian country.

Last year, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit brought his entire cabinet to the Chinese Embassy to express support with the Chinese government and people in their struggle against Covid-19.

After Dominica confirmed Covid-19 instances, China made every effort to assist the island, donating more than ten batches of medical equipments, including masks, protective gear, ventilators, forehead thermometers, test kits, and other items. In March of this year, China sent 20,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccinations to Dominica. The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, which is already in use, is slated to be completely finished by next year. It will be a contemporary hospital with the most advanced medical equipment in the Caribbean once the construction is completed. Chinese medical specialists also established the hospital's first cardiology section this year.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2004, China and Dominica have experienced quick and steady growth in bilateral ties, with pragmatic collaboration in all fields deepening and expanding, offering a positive example for relations between nations of different sizes.

At the start of this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone with Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, outlining the path for the bilateral relationship's next stage of development.