Distribution of COVID-19 vaccines must be equal for all, says PM Rowley

Trinidad & Tobago: Prime Minister of TT and Chairman of CARICOM, Dr Keith Rowley has called for the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccine resources for the benefit of all nations. Dr Rowley made the call while addressing the World Health Organization's Media briefing on COVID-19 today (Thursday 18th February 2021). Prime Minister Rowley said that while there is an understandable rush to receive vaccines, small island states “are more than a little bit concerned that there is, or is to be, hoarding and price gouging as well as undue preference in some quarters.”

The CARICOM Chairman said small states have made and continue to make huge sacrifices in an endeavor to protect their populations from the worst ravages of the virus.

He urged the WHO not to forget about small states.

“All we ask as members of the family of nations is that we not be forgotten, ignored or worse, taken advantage of in this business of life and death.”

Prime Minister Rowley thanked the WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the staff at the WHO for their continued leadership, guidance, and dedication.

He also said, “Now more than ever you are required to protect us from the many offshoots of the viral era and encourage the science not only to further understand the biology, physiology, and management of the virus but the defeat of its power through equitable distribution of its nemesis, the vaccine.

We anxiously anticipate the promised relief and general benefits that a successful early vaccination program can bring to each of us.”