The British government has given an assurance to the Overseas Territories that in response to the COVID-19 outbreak additional essential equipment and supplies are being arranged.
"Whatever the UK Government can do to assist the OTs will be done” is the message coming from London.
That information was relayed by Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin following a teleconference between the UK Overseas Territories Minister Baroness Liz Sugg and OT leaders to discuss the COVID-19 crisis.
Premier McLaughlin said the UK is determined that an air-bridge between the UK and its OTs is maintained and that his administration is at the forefront of efforts with the UK to achieve this.
According to the Premier, “Cayman should be able to use Cayman Airways jets or the Saab aircraft to distribute equipment, personnel, medications and the like to the other OTs, which was a fine testament to the infrastructure developed in Cayman and its ability to help its brothers and sisters in these territories and further afield, if necessary.”
The Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meeting between the OTs and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office planned for next week in London has been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Meanwhile, a team of experts from Public Health England are in the Cayman Islands offering support in the fight against the disease.
They've also been assisting with the commissioning of Cayman's new coronavirus testing facility which was put into operation this week.
Access to the facility will be extended to other OTs for COVID-19 testing.
The team from Public Health England will also be visiting the other UK Caribbean territories as part of their COVID-19 support arranged through the FCO.
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