On 24th November 2021, H.E. Mr. Tian Qi, Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica and the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica attended and addressed the handover ceremony of the COVID-19 vaccine doses donated by the Chinese government to the Jamaican government. Ambassador Tian Qi also signed the handover certificates with the Honorable Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness of Jamaica. The Honorable Kamina Johnson-Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Ambassador Janice Miller, Under-Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, and Mr. Fan Jianghong, Economic and Commercial Counselor of Chinese Embassy in Jamaica also attended the event.

Ambassador Tian said that 21 November 2021 marked the 49th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Jamaica. The arrival of China donated COVID-19 vaccine well represents the goodwill of the Chinese government and people to support Jamaica’s fight against the pandemic, and is further evidence of the deep friendship and firm strategic partnership between China and Jamaica. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19, China and Jamaica have been working closely to tide over difficulties and combat the COVID-19 side by side to promote economic recovery. Vaccines are the best weapon against the COVID-19. Chinese vaccines have been widely used in the world and proved safe and effective, and will surely assist Jamaica’s efforts to promote its vaccination program and promote the health and safety of Jamaican people. China will continue firmly supporting Jamaica’s anti-pandemic efforts and providing assistance within its capability, and sharing experience and technology in effectively controlling the pandemic and rapidly returning to normal economic and social order. Jamaica will eventually win the battle against the pandemic and achieve economic and social recovery with the joint efforts made by Jamaican government and people and with the enhanced bilateral and global cooperation.

Ambassador Tian said that President Xi Jinping delivered an important remarks at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly and proposed the Global Development Initiative, calling on the international community to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for more robust, greener and more balanced global development, and foster a global community of development with a shared future. China stands ready to implement the Initiative together with Jamaica, and stays committed to cooperating with Jamaica to push forward strategic partnership to a new level and bring more benefits to our two countries and two peoples.

Ambassador Tian stressed that China has provided more COVID-19 vaccine doses overseas than any other country, and the vast majority of jabs for developing countries come from China. Currently, China has provided more than 1.7 billion doses of finished and bulk vaccines to over 110 countries and international organizations, and will provide over 2 billion doses by the end of 2021. So far, more than 100 countries and international organizations have granted market approval or emergency use for Chinese COVID-19 vaccines, and over 1 billion doses of Chinese vaccines have been administered abroad. China will continue providing more vaccines to developing countries through various means including donation, so as to make greater contributions to equitable access to vaccines and an early victory over the pandemic.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, on behalf of Jamaican government and people, expressed sincere gratitude to China for its valuable support and aid toward Jamaica’s efforts in fighting the COVID-19. He said that the arrival of Chinese vaccines is an outcome of strong, ongoing and long-standing cooperation between Jamaica and China, and demonstrates the vibrant and dynamic partnership formed since the diplomatic relations establishment in 1972. China has been a reliable partner and friend to Jamaica and provided great support to Jamaica’s response to the pandemic. The two vaccination vehicles donated by Yantai, China assisted Jamaica’s efforts to promote access to vaccines for Jamaican people. Now, China’s vaccines will help Jamaica control the threat posed by COVID-19 while push the country to move forward economically and socially. The anti-pandemic experience of China is admirable, and Jamaica will learn from China’s experience, promote its vaccination roll-out, and continue deepening strategic partnership with China.

Minister Johnson-Smith and Minister Tufton extended sincere thanks to China’s generous offer and continuous support. They stressed that vaccines are essential tools in response to COVID-19. Jamaican people are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Chinese vaccines, which will make contribution to Jamaica’s vaccination implementation program, and help maintain health and safety of Jamaican people. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Jamaican will take this opportunity to further strengthening cooperation with China and promoting the bilateral relations to achieve greater development.

Major medias in Jamaica attended the handover ceremony and reported the event. Jamaica Information Service gave live broadcast.