Chinese Embassy provides anti-epidemic materials to representatives of local indigenous communities in Panama in October 2020

Project narrative

On October 9, 2020, Wei Qiang, the Chinese Ambassador to Panama, delivered a batch of anti-epidemic materials to representatives of local indigenous communities in Panama. The donated supplies included 12,000 masks, 30 infrared thermometers, 500 bottles of 8-ounce antibacterial gel, hand sanitizer, and alcohol-based disinfectant. The monetary value of this donation is unknown. According to the Tourism Authority of Panama, the indigenous communities were receiving these supplies in part because they were preparing to resume receiving tourists after October 12, 2020. The supplies were delivered under the supervision of the Tourism Authority. A handover ceremony was held for the donation at the Chinese Embassy in Panama. The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) accepted the donation to be distributed to the indigenous communities. Representatives of several indigenous communities attended the ceremony. To express their gratitude for the donation, the community representatives presented Ambassador Wei Qiang with handicrafts representing their national culture. These supplies will be distributed to the Naso Tjerdi community in Bonyic, Bocas del Toro Province, the Silico Creek community in the same province, the Guna Yala community in the Cartí Islands, the Besiko community in the Chiriquí District, Ipeti in the upper Bayano area, the Chepo district Emberá community, and eight other Silico Creek communities in the Río Chagres valley.