The Government of Dominica has received a shipment of medical supplies amounting to US$23,163.52, courtesy of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Wednesday.
The shipment includes medicines, anti-tuberculosis medication, gloves for medical procedures, disposable masks, among other medical supplies.
The donation was made in response to an appeal made by Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika.
“Subsequently Milton Rondo Filho, General Coordinator of the International Actions Against Hunger of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil notified the government of a shipment of 61 boxes of containing medicines and basic medical supplies for the Ministry of Health at a total cost of $US23,163.52,” Foriegn Affairs Minister, Francine Baron, said at a handing over ceremony on Wednesday.
She said this is not the first time that Brazil has assisted Dominica with disaster support.
“In 2007 we were assisted through the donation of 300 sheets of zinc roofing material worth US$10,000 towards recovery of damage after Hurricane Dean,” Baron noted.
She said Tropical Storm Erika has brought out the best of the country’s friends in the region .
“They have rallied very quickly to our aid and it underscores the need for country’s like ours to have good relations with our friends in the region and internationally,” Baron said.
Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Dominica, Jose Marcos Nogueira Viana, explained how the donation came about.
“Everything started when the Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit wrote to my President in Brazil asking for support from the Brazilian Government,” he explained. “Immediately upon receiving the letter from Prime Minister Skerrit, my President instructed the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs to find out what has happened…”
However, bringing the supplies to Dominica proved to be a challenge since Brazil’s air force does not fly to Dominica. However, with the assistance of Dominica’s ambassador to Brazil, Jennifer Aird, the supplies were taken to Barbados then on to Dominica.
“Our Minister of Health they have a stock of drugs ready to be distributed in emergency situations,” Ambassador Viana explained.
Meanwhile Aird is confident that the supplies will go a long way, “as a wide range of products and supplies and various medicines in there, that under any circumstance, any nation receiving would be very fortunate and blessed to receive this as a gift.”
Laison in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Martin Christmas who represented Health Minister, Dr. Kenneth Darroux, said it is time like these when the country truly appreciate those good neighbours who recognize the need for assistance, and generally extends the hand of friendship and help as has been the case with the Federative Republic of Brazil.
He said Dominicans are a strong determined and resilient people and will continue to strive for greatness, “and would stop at nothing as we reach out to the stars…and if we fall short due to hurdles such as Tropical Storm Erika under the guidance of our very dedicated government we will get up stronger and more determined than before relying on the help and support of good neighbours such as Brazil.”
Dominica established diplomatic relations between the government of Brazil in 1986.
The Embassy of Brazil located in Roseau was then set up in June 2010.
What happens when it comes to completion?
A progressive and very aggressive strategic and sustainable plan must be put in place immediately to vamp the Medical system in Dominica. How much longer do we have to depend on hand outs for medical care? Notwithstanding, I welcome these supplies, particularly now more than ever since TS Erica. Meanwhile, what are we doing as a Nation to finally improve and culminate the Medical Care Facilities on island.
A young brother went in to have his appendix removed and died. The facilities are very mediocre. Human lives are treated with less dignity and respect. I live my life trusting in God for his mercy and grace, and with this confidence I can say, my health is in the hands of God. I truly have a stigma in visiting the hospital. I moan and groan with pain and use all sorts of bush medicine, prayers and songs of worship, rather than face the sometimes daunting treatment received by the nurses or where the wait is so long its agony.
We need all the help we can get so thanks the president and people of Brazil but keep an eye out for the expiring dates on those medication .