A team of one hundred and thirteen Cuban medical professionals arrived in Saint Lucia recently to support the island’s national response efforts for COVID-19.

The team comprised of 100 nurses, six general practitioners, three intensive care physicians and two epidemiologists.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George commended the government and people of the Republic of Cuba for their commitment to provide healthcare assistance, to aid in the battle against COVID-19.

“The Department of Health and Wellness has been monitoring closely the escalation of the outbreaks and in collaboration with all stakeholders, we have strengthened systems to reduce the possible impact on our population,” she said. “One important gap that we recognized, was that of human resource capacity in relation to healthcare workers to support expected increases within the community respiratory clinics and the respiratory hospital. This led to us reaching out to the Cuban government for support in this regard.”

Minister for Health and Wellness Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac lauded the solidarity demonstrated by the Cuban government.

“It is with a lot of excitement and emotion that I welcome you here today. I know the effort that has gone into coming here to help us. I am thankful for your presence, because we need your assistance,” Minister Isaac said.

Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Alejandro Simancas Marin, emphasized the strong ties of friendship between Cuba and Saint Lucia and encouraged the health workers to accomplish their mission diligently.

“Today, we are proud and honored to receive this group made of doctors, nurses and biomedical engineers. They have come from different provinces of Cuba, and different generations: some of them have much experience and some of them have less, but they all have in common the commitment to work together with the government and people of Saint Lucia to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.”

The Cuban medical professionals will be quarantined for 14 days before commencement of their duties.