Venezuela To The Rescue: 3,000 Covid-19 Rapid Tests Kits Arrive

By Demion McTair Updated 6:27 p.m., Friday, 10 April 2020, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4)

Argyle, St. Vincent (ON SVG) – Venezuela has again proven to be a friend of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in times of need, this time, donating some 3,000 rapid testing kits for Covid-19.

The Covid-19 testing kits and other supplies arrived today at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) through a charter flight.

They were received by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Health Minister, Luke Browne.

From left: Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment – Luke Browne, Venezuelan Official – Center, and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Currently, St. Vincent relies on the Caribbean Public Health Agency – CARPHA lab in Trinidad to conduct its testing, with the Best-Dos Santos Public Health Laboratory in Barbados as an alternative.

With the rapid testing kits from Venezuela, however, the country comes closer to conducting its own tests in a more timely manner.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines established diplomatic relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on October 29, 1981, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce.

The relationship has been at its deepest under the current administration under which the country has benefited from bilateral and multilateral partnerships in health, energy and economic development with, or involving Venezuela.