Barbados Government obtains 20,000 PCR test kits for COVID-19 at cost.

·        Arrangement followed outreach by Prime Minister of Barbados to Premier McLaughlin.

·        Test kits en route to Barbados as of Friday evening.

Grand Cayman (GIS) – The Government of Barbados on Friday, 10 April 2020 obtained 20,000 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits for COVID-19 at cost from the Government of the Cayman Islands.

The arrangement followed outreach on Thursday, 9 April, by Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley to Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin.

Having previously discussed the possibility of making the kits available to neighbouring countries at the press briefing announcing their arrival, Premier McLaughlin commented today: “We have fortunately been able to purchase many more test kits than we need. It is only fitting that we share the excess with our friends and neighbours, who can use them to help save lives and eradicate this virus, something that is in everyone’s interest.”

The Barbadian consignment, including 200 dry swabs, was collected Friday afternoon by plane.

 Following consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, Medical Officer of Health and the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Services Authority, the Cayman Islands Government had set aside 100,000 test kits for its own use. It will offer the remaining kits, at cost, to regional CARICOM and British Overseas Territory governments.

Noting that the Cayman Islands has for decades been home to many persons from around the Caribbean region, Minister of Health Dwayne Seymour said: “As Minister for Health I am pleased to support the Premier and my Cabinet colleagues with this request for much needed supplies. To fight this virus and rid our region of it, we must all come together”.