Acting executive director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Elizabeth Riley, has underscored the importance of regional integration.
She was speaking yesterday at the Bridgetown Port during the launch of a regional logistics hub and the handover of US$3 million in relief supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) which the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) donated.
“The economic and social impact of COVID-19 coupled with the national hazard from the impact of a storm or hurricane brings a level of complexity which is not insurmountable but which has to be carefully planned for. CARICOM states need to coexist and regional solidarity is therefore a requirement for member states to successfully survive this crisis,” she added.
CDB president Dr Warren Smith also said they were committed to helping the region in the COVID-19 fight.
Since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11, there have been more than 14.9 million cases and over 615 000 deaths reported as of July 20.
And to help CARICOM member states cope, Smith said they provided policy based-loans worth US$ 140 million, US$67 million in emergency loans, and US$3 million to purchase essential PPE for medical practitioners and patients in 14 countries.
“Despite early action, we are still grappling with the unprecedented and devastating consequences of COVID-19. Restrictions are being lifted, businesses are slowly reopening, and economic activity is resuming.
“However, borders generally remain closed because of ongoing uncertainty about the likely peak and duration of the crisis. In the meantime, the unemployment rate is soaring, giving rise to social and economic disruption.” (TG)
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