Timely Covid supplies presented by friends, associations, agencies
These last two weeks have seen a constant flow of gift offerings related to Covid-19, for which the Seychellois people are grateful.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) came forward with a consignment comprising two Biosafety cabinets, which are vitally important in the handling and processing of infectious samples, such as SARS-COV-2, the causative virus for COVID-19.
Among other equipment received were a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine, three vortex ma-chines, a microcentrifuge and a scanner for cryotubes, all useful in the PCR process forthe detection of COVID-19.
IAEA donation also consisted of primers and probes (PCR test kits) for COVID-19 for two assays, one which is promoted and distributed worldwide by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the other from the Hong Kong University.
IAEA has been providing support to Seychelles since it became a member of the organization in April 2003 within a Technical Cooperation Programme which has remained active throughout. The Agency works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
India does the rounds
The Indian High Commissioner General Dalbir Singh Suhag and the Indian Association of Seychelles, via its Chairman Jamshed Pardiwalla, have been spreading the Covid relief cheer around town, drop-ping supplies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary and the National Assembly.The medical equipment donated to Foreign Affairs comprise 300 washable masks, one blood pressure machine, one glucometer and one infrared thermometer.
Gifts for the Judiciary too.
The ‘social distancing’ appropriate ceremony took place at the Supreme Court for the handing over the items, which include reusable face masks, BP machines, glucometers, and some infrared thermome-ters. Chief Justice Mathilda Twomey explained that this equipment comes at a vital time as numerous members of the public require access to the courts on a daily basis to have their casesheard and this helps consolidate current screening points put in place to protect both the public and Court staff.The Indian High Commissioner Dalbir Singh Suhag qnd Jamshed Pardiwalla explained that this dona-tion is part of a new drive to help various government sectors and agencies in the prevention of Covid-19 and they plan to hand out more equipment as and when available. Accompanying Mr Pardiwalla were Mr Vijay Pandya as Treasurer, Surya Khanna as Vice Chairman, and committee members Deepak Babu and Arup Das. Members of the Judiciary present to accept the donation includes Chief Justice Twomey, Director of Operations Marcus Labiche, the nurses, and other Court staff. Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Ashwin Bhaskaran, First Secretary at the Indian High Commis-sion, members of the Indian Association and DFA senior officials.
Last but not least, the National Assembly
Covid supplies were also presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Nicholas Prea. The gift comprised 500 face masks, an infrared thermometer, a BP Machine and a Glucometer.
