SKN IMAGE POSSIBLY DOWNGRADED IN EYES OF INTL WORLD SAYS FORMER DEPUTY PM
Date: 30th August, 2017
Basseterre, ST KITTS (KYSS) — Former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Asim Martin, has weighed in on the newly revealed 2016 herpes vaccine scandal.
Dr Martin highlighted the fact that in just one year, two medical ethics scandals have rocked the federation, both of which may negatively impact the international community’s perception of the twin island state. This he said would mark another turn for the worse for the nation.
The medical doctor explained that the standard procedure for any scientific institution to enter the country for research purposes is to submit an application to the ministry of Health and for approval.
In addition to the requirement that the Ministry of Health know of the study, Dr. Martin said locals would have had to assist in facilitating the research.
Addressing the possible international implications for St. Kitts and Nevis, having been the location of the unethical June 2016 stem cell research debacle and the April to August 2016 herpes vaccine tests, Dr Martin said he is certain that the world’s view of the country has been downgraded.
He added that the federation may now appear to be the ideal place opportunists who wish to engage in clandestine transactions.
