I was truly shocked and deeply saddened on my arrival in Dubai, to learn of the death of Dr. Carissa Etienne. We last spoke less than a month ago.
Dr. Etienne was a cherished friend of Barbados. She provided round the clock guidance and support during the COVID-19 Pandemic to myself and then Minister of Health and Wellness, Lieutenant Colonel The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic. Whether at midnight or midday, she was one of the few people who was most there for our country and our people when we most needed it. It was for this reason that the Government awarded her the Honorary Freedom of Barbados in 2022.
On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I wish to extend deepest condolences to her loved ones, the Government and people of Dominica and to the wider Pan American Health Organisation fraternity. We shall never forget her commitment and compassion to the people of our Caribbean Community.
