Present in the meeting from CIBC First Caribbean were Dr. Jacqui Bend, Managing Director, The Bahamas & Turks and Caicos Island; Ms. Nikia Christie, Marketing Manager, The Bahamas Turks and Caicos Island; Ms. Antoinette Fox, Business Analyst and Ms. Ashley Albury, Public Relations Representative.  Also in attendance from the Ministry of Health were Ms. Siobhan Deane, Acting Permanent Secretary; Dr. Delon Brennen, Acting Chief Medical Officer; Mrs. Gina Dean, Director of Nursing; Ms. Charlene Bain, Administrator of Community Health Services; Dr. Philip Swan, Registrar and Nurse Ruth Bastian, Nurse in Charge of the Expanded Programme on Immunization and a member of the National Vaccine Consultative Committee.   

Managing Director Bend discussed the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine and its significance in assisting the economy of The Bahamas to recover.  Ms. Bend also extended gratitude to frontline workers who have been diligently fighting COVID-19 in The Bahamas.  The donation of $100,000 comes after an initial contribution made by the bank in May, 2021, of $25,000 toward the procurement of personal protective equipment for frontline workers.  

Minister Wells also took the opportunity to express gratitude to Dr. Bend and CIBC First Caribbean for having The Bahamas as one of ten countries receiving a donation toward their vaccination programmes.  Minister Wells informed that the goal of The Bahamas is to have 80% – 90% of the adult population vaccinated to boost the immunity of the country.  Minister Wells advised that he looked forward to continue working with CIBC First Caribbean.