On 4 February 2020, Dr Yitades Gebre, PAHO/WHO Representative to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries (PWR-ECC), presented his credentials to Senator the Hon Jerome Walcott, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The meeting was held at the Office of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Culloden Road, St. Michael, Barbados.
Historically, when appointed, PAHO/WHO representatives meet with the Head of State or Head of Government or Minister of Foreign Affairs in their respective country to officially acknowledge approval as representative in the host country.
Minister Walcott formally introduced himself to Dr Gebre and welcomed him to Barbados. The PWR-ECC said that he looked forward to support and guidance from the Minister in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, as he works on advancing the national agenda on health. He said that “PAHO’s priorities remain the priorities of the member states,” acknowledging commitment to support Barbados on all issues related to health. Noted in the discussion on PAHO’s commitment to working with Barbados, was the role of Barbados as President of PAHO’s Executive Committee, represented by Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col the Hon Jeffrey Bostic.
Minister Walcott was briefed on PAHO’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness on the recent Coronavirus outbreak. Dr Gebre assured that Barbados will be one of the first countries in the Caribbean to be provided with test kits for the virus, expected delivery is 10 February after which laboratory personnel will be trained.
Other topics discussed included:
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Strengthening of Barbados’ Immunization program
- Regional launch of Vaccination Week in the Americas, in Dominica at the end of April 2020.
- WHO Decade of Action
In closing, Dr Gebre thanked Minister Walcott for his hospitality and officially presented him with his credentials. Minister Walcott in return presented Dr Gebre with a gift.
