Senators, President of the Senate say #LetTaiwanHelp

By Zoila Palma: Belize, as many countries around the world continue to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its ally, Taiwan continues to provide support.

Belize and Taiwan established diplomatic relations on October 12, 1989, and have enjoyed strong diplomatic friendship since then.

Since the start of the pandemic in Belize, Taiwan has lent a helping hand with donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), COVID-19 tests, face masks among others.

In addition, Taiwan’s collaboration and donation of technical training packages for sheep farming training through the sheep projects continue to benefit Belize and Belizean farmers.

Senators, Collet Montejo and Osmany Salas have joined Speaker of the House of Representatives, Valerie Woods in calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly to be held in May.

Senator Montejo said that it is time the World Health Organization allows Taiwan to participate.

Senator Salas says that Taiwan has helped Belize and continues to do so and the nation is ready to help the global community.

Also calling for Taiwan’s inclusion is President of the Senate, Carolyn Trench Sandiford.

“The people and Government of Taiwan has been very supportive of our efforts, and has donated much-needed medical supplies to us. They have also shared their expertise on managing the pandemic with us, and stand ready to assist the global community in tackling the pandemic and other emerging health challenges. I therefore encourage the World Health Organization to invite Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly as an observer,” Sandiford said.

The 74^th World Health Assembly will be held on May 24 to June 1, 2021.