SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Secretary of the Department of Public Safety of Puerto Rico Pedro Janer Román, on May 13, expressed appreciation for the donation of 30,000 facemasks from the government of Taiwan, destined to the first responders.
“The emergency situation brings us together and on this occasion, the government of Taiwan offered to reach out to the Puerto Rican people and collaborate in the protection of our first response personnel. These facemasks will be distributed between the seven divisions of the Department of Public Safety, so that the first responders can continue working, following the necessary protection measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate their cooperation for the benefit of our people,” indicated the Secretary of Public Safety.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State González, explained that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-Wen, announced the donation of ten million facemasks to different countries, including the United States and its territories.
Taiwan announces third wave of COVID-19 international humanitarian assistance
“On May 4, 2020, the government of Taiwan announced their third round of international humanitarian help, and it was confirmed that the ministry of foreign affairs of Taiwan would donate 30,000 facemasks to Puerto Rico in support of the first response staff working every day to save lives. On behalf of the Puerto Rican people and our governor, Wanda Vázquez Garced, we express our gratitude for considering us in this humanitarian project”, detailed the Secretary of State.
During the delivery, the following officials were present: Philip T.Y. Wang, former Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami (TECO in Miami); the commissioners of the Emergency Management Bureau, Special Investigations Bureau, Puerto Rico Police Department, Medical Emergencies Bureau, Forensics Sciences Burau, and the Firefighters Bureau. The representatives Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló and Eddie Charbonier were also present.
Director-General David Chien of TECO in Miami in a statement indicated: “COVID-19 is a global pandemic, a common threat to mankind around the world. Virus knows no borders, the international community must stand together to confront this challenge.
“Taiwan cherishes the long-lasting relationship established with Puerto Rico and wishes to express its support through the donation of the 30,000 medical masks.” The donation not only fulfills the promise that “Taiwan can help”, but that “Taiwan is helping.”
