The COVID-19 pandemic was high on the agenda when Australia’s High Commissioner to Barbados, Bruce Lendon, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott.
During a meeting held recently at the Ministry’s offices at Culloden Road, St. Michael, the two officials discussed their country’s response to the pandemic.
Senator Walcott highlighted the National Vaccination Programme for COVID-19, stating that it had been “doing quite well”, despite the challenges being faced as a small island developing state.
He added that Government was continuing to explore ways to strengthen its capacity to manage the impact of the virus on society and the economy.
Outlining Australia’s efforts to help its neighbours, in this regard, Mr. Lendon noted that, like Barbados, the country had been focusing on inoculating the most vulnerable in society against COVID-19. He also wished Barbados success with its ongoing vaccination efforts.
Senator Walcott and High Commissioner Lendon also discussed the impact of climate change on the two countries, as well as matters relating to food security, the deepening of bilateral relations, and renewable energy.
Barbados and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1974.