Providence, RI – Following Cape Verdean Independence Day yesterday, Cabo Verde Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva met virtually with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today to thank the Senator for helping his country secure a U.S. commitment of vaccine assistance. Senator Whitehouse pressed federal agencies to extend vaccine assistance to the island nation after its sharp uptick in COVID-19 cases in May and June. The Biden administration has since announced millions of doses of vaccine to priority nations, including Cabo Verde.
“I was glad to help the Prime Minister and his government in securing U.S. vaccine for Cabo Verde,” said Whitehouse. “Rhode Island’s vibrant Cape Verdean community has forged a strong bond between our coastal state and the country of Cabo Verde. Extending vaccine assistance to a valued regional partner will help both our nations bring the pandemic to heel and build our vital tourism industries back to full strength.”
“We consider ourselves to be extraordinarily fortunate in receiving the vaccines from the U.S. government,” said Prime Minister Correia e Silva. “We know our good fortune was largely made possible because of your advocacy and action, which will, undoubtedly, save countless lives throughout our islands and be hugely impactful in reinvigorating our society and economy.”
Senator Whitehouse’s office met with Cabo Verde’s Ambassador to the United States in May to discuss the country’s need for vaccine. Cabo Verde followed with a letter to Senator Whitehouse requesting assistance in securing COVID-19 vaccine doses for the island. Senator Whitehouse shared the request with the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and formally asked the federal agencies to consider Cabo Verde’s request.
On June 21, the Biden Administration announced the distribution list for 55 million doses of America’s vaccine supply to overseas partners. Of those doses, 14 million will be shared with regional priorities and other recipients, including Cabo Verde. These doses will be distributed as soon as possible.
