By Sue-Ann Wayow
PRINCIPAL Medical Officer Ministry of Health –Institutions Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards was one of only two participants from the Western Hemisphere to meet virtually with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday.
The meeting was in commemoration of Eid al-Adha and Blinken met virtually with 12 Muslim frontline workers, a press release from the US Embassy in Port-of-Spain stated on Wednesday.
The embassy stated, “The meeting placed a spotlight on the participants’ embodiment of the universal values of selflessness and compassion in service to improving the lives of others.”
Other participants were from Bangladesh, Brazil, Comoros, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Mali, North Macedonia, Philippines, Tunisia, and Uzbekistan.
Since the onset of the pandemic, Dr Abdool-Richards has served as a member of the Ministry of Health’s executive leadership team responsible for the management of the parallel health care system, the release stated.
This includes keeping Trinbagonians informed of Covid-19 developments through regular briefings hosted by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Secretary Blinken, joined by Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya, stressed on the importance the United States places on engaging with these valued government and civil society partners, and praised their contributions and sacrifices to keep people safe during the pandemic.
The Secretary emphasised that their selfless efforts to ensure the public good during a time of terrible loss and suffering was a clear and vibrant manifestation of the recent Eid al-Adha holiday spirit, the embassy stated.
