COVID-19 claims first victim in Barbados

Barbados has recorded its first death related to COVID-19, Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt Col Jeffrey Bostic announced today.

The deceased is an 81-year-old Barbadian man who travelled to the United Kingdom and returned to Barbados on March 22.

He, along with his wife, 83, were tested for COVID-19 yesterday after reporting symptoms. They both tested positive for the viral illness.

“The condition of the deceased man, who had underlying medical conditions, deteriorated rapidly after being admitted into care,” Bostic said during a news conference.

“I was informed of his death late last night from COVID-19-related pneumonia and complications of diabetes.”

Bostic used the opportunity to extend “deepest condolences” from the Government and people of Barbados to the family and friends of the deceased, saying they could “take solace in knowing that the God we serve continues to keep you and all of us in his care”.

The minister also expressed appreciation for the medical professionals “who at great personal risk to themselves, continue to care for and treat those infected with COVID-19 and who provided this gentleman with the best available medical care”.

He said: “These brave Barbadians, the other public health staff directly involved in the COVID-19 response, and the entire cohort of staff working in the public and private sector to maintain the high quality health care that Barbados has become known for, deserve our support, our prayers and our deepest respect.”

He also announced that a 100-person team of intensive care specialists from the Republic of Cuba will arrive in Barbados today to provide respite and support for medical teams who have been on the front lines of treating those with COVID-19, working gruelling hours in the most demanding of circumstances