Belmopan. October 15, 2021. 4:45 p.m.
The Government of Belize is sending the first of two humanitarian donations to Cuba in solidarity with the nation’s government and people. The shipment, which will depart Belize on October 16, 2021, includes food supplies, sanitation and assorted hygiene products valued at BZ$200,000.
Cuba faces both the COVID-19 pandemic and a strengthened embargo, which affected tourism revenue as well as the ability to source supplies for their population of 11.33 million. Despite these challenges, Cuba produced four vaccines and was the first country in the world to vaccinate children. Cuba has also shared its vaccines with several countries. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Belize was one of the first countries to be aided by Cuba’s Henry Reeve Brigade.
Belize recognizes the exceptional efforts of Cuba over the last 60 years in consistently providing medical and technical assistance in times of global public health emergencies, such as the Ebola epidemic, and now, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Belize and Cuba share 26 years of diplomatic relations founded on deep respect and admiration for the significant role Cuba has played in the region and globally.
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