“PM Chastanet must prove his leadership by providing COVID-19 vaccine,” St Lucians

St Lucia: The entire world has been facing a coronavirus pandemic, but a small Caribbean island faced two health emergencies at once. St Lucia - A nation in the Atlantic Ocean struggled with the Dengue epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic at once. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet's government is put to the test as the country grapples with major health emergencies. The situation seems to be getting out of hands as coronavirus cases in St Lucia have risen up to 1800, and the numbers continue to rise. Instead of making arrangements for the COVID-19 Vaccine, PM Chastanet has imposed another lockdown in an effort to address the severe problems. As the general elections are forthcoming, the leadership of Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is put into a test for his work and strong relations with the world leadership. The country is under a state of emergency and a lockdown from 7 pm to 5 am, declared from 3 February onwards. However, the measures are currently effective for seven days. But, as suggested by close sources to the government, there are speculations that the government would initiate a prolonged ‘state of emergency’ to tackle the crisis. The outcome of the election result would be entirely dependent upon the availability of 'Vaccine' in St Lucia. Keeping a watch of General elections, the government seems stumbling to handle the pandemic. So far, no efforts have been made by the government to facilitate coronavirus vaccine for its inhabitants. In contrast, neighboring Caribbean countries have already declared to immunize people later this month by managing international relations to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine.

It is said that PM Chastanet is planning to conduct elections only under the state of emergency; likewise, its neighboring nation, St Kitts and Nevis, conducted in 2020. Nevertheless, PM has not realized that the situation has changed as most countries are vaccinating their population rather than imposing further lockdowns or curfews.

While talking to WIC News, Ryan Charles, an inhabitant of Castries, stated that the government is making no efforts to secure vaccine for its people and instead of making “failed attempts to handle the situation.” The time is now, we need to get back on our feet and if we still endure another lockdown, St Lucia would be spineless in coming years. Prime Minister hasn’t realized the situation. I will undoubtedly see if PM Chastanet can prove his leadership by acquiring the COVID-19 vaccine before any other country in the Caribbean region.

Another resident of the same city, a 29-year-old female, condemned government acts and stated the government needs to make efforts to prove their international relations and manage to procure coronavirus vaccine. “St Lucia is watching; PM will have to prove himself and make people realized that he is serious about his job,” she added.