NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ COVID-19 Vaccine Programme received a shot in the arm with an injection of $100,000 from CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, The Bahamas and TCI.

Minister of Health the Hon. Reward Wells accepted a cheque from Mrs. Jacqui Bend, Managing Director of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, The Bahamas and TCI, on behalf of FirstCaribbean International ComTrust Foundation, during a ceremony at the Ministry of Health on Thursday, June 10, 2021.

Mr. Wells underscored the importance of the banking institution in bolstering and supporting the community in which it plays an integral part.

“The Bahamas is pleased to be among the 10 countries in the region receiving this support from CIBC FirstCaribbean during this COVID-19 Pandemic.

“With a growing number of people being impacted daily from the effects of COVID-19, limiting the spread of the virus is fundamental to us all,” he said.

He noted that from the onset of the pandemic, the recommendations of washing hands, maintaining a physical distance of at least six feet, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, and wearing a mask have been public health measures to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“Now, we are grateful that a vaccine has been added to the group of tools that can aid in the global fight against the virus,” said Minister Wells.

He shared that The Bahamas aims to have 80-90 percent of its adult population vaccinated to arrive at herd immunity. And in this vein, he encouraged the public to receive the recommended two doses of the vaccine available in-country.

“Just as access to personal protective equipment was a global challenge early in the pandemic, currently global access to COVID-19 vaccines poses a challenge. The continued procurement of vaccines and necessary supplies is essential,” Mr. Wells said.

According to the minister, it could not have been anticipated that for a year and a half, the world would still be battling the COVID-19 virus.

The phrase “we are all in this together,” he added, has been touted for the entire span of the pandemic and it remains accurate.

“As the road we trod leads to normalcy, it is encouraging to know that CIBC FirstCaribbean values the immunization programme and continues to advocate for the health and protection of our frontline healthcare workers.

“This donation will greatly assist our country as we continue to charge relentlessly against COVID-19.  We look forward to the continued collaborations with CIBC FirstCaribbean that champion public health initiatives and support the society at large,” Minister Wells said.

Mrs. Bend said that the banking institution was pleased to donate the funds, which comprised a second major injection from May 2020, with the donation of $25,000 worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline health care workers.

Officials of the bank, and the Ministry of Health attended in person and virtually, for the presentation.