Prime Minister’s Media Conference – Saturday 12th June, 2021

Prime Minister Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley has unreservedly apologised to the population, particularly senior citizens, for the problems they encountered attempting to receive COVID-19 vaccines at several Health Centres this week.

Dr Rowley acknowledged that the Government “tried to do too much, with too little”, and assured that the Ministry of Health is making the necessary adjustments to ensure a smoother vaccination roll-out for older people.

The Prime Minister made the comments during a media conference held at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s today (Saturday 12th June, 2021).

Dr Rowley also announced the following:

– A shipment of 200,000 doses of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine is expected to arrive in the country on Monday 14th June, 2021.

– Thousands of doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been donated to Trinidad and Tobago by the Government of Grenada (8,000 doses) and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (5,500 doses). Dr Rowley thanked both countries for their generous donation.

– The Construction Sector will remain closed. Prime Minister Rowley will discuss with the Minister of Finance avenues to assist this sector.

– Shift operations to be implemented at Hardware stores.

Minister of Health, the Hon. Terrence Deyalsingh announced adjustments to the National COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for the elderly. This adjustment is expected to begin on Wednesday 16th June, 2021.

People 65 years and over will be given appointments for vaccination across 36 Health Centres. The Regional Health Authorities will contact their Primary Health Care clients and District Health Visitors (DHV) will contact and visit shut-ins who fall within this age bracket.

Minister Deyalsingh indicated that the second dose vaccination roll-out will continue to take place across the country.