KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Local Government and Rural Development received 20,000 masks donated by Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Tian Qi, on behalf of Sichuan Province yesterday.

At the virtual handover of the masks, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to continue engaging at the global level, to ensure Jamaica’s priorities are achieved, including the country’s recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In expressing Jamaica’s appreciation for the donation in the spirit of global cooperation, Johnson Smith noted that, “These items will go a far way in supporting Jamaica’s COVID-19 response, especially as the Government continues to build its capacity to protect frontline health workers and better support Jamaica’s other vulnerable groups during the pandemic.”

The foreign affairs minister also lauded Sichuan Province, “for its international outreach efforts in the donation of critical medical supplies to those most in need,” and acknowledged the province’s tremendous success with respect to the recovery of its population and the orderly reopening of its economy.

Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie indicated that the donation will benefit approximately 1,600 residents and 400 workers in 15 infirmaries across the island.

Ambassador Tian Qi expressed hope for the continued cooperation between the Sichuan province and the Government of Jamaica. He also indicated China’s intentions to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in the areas of regional and international affairs.