"A Resilient Nation, We can and We will," says PM Allen Chastanet on 42nd Independence Day

The small Caribbean island of St Lucia celebrated its 42nd Independence Day on Monday. The celebrations remained low as the country is currently grappling with the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet congratulated inhabitants through a video message posted on his official Facebook page. He noted that in 2020 when St Lucia celebrated its 41st Independence Day, there was no mention of coronavirus in the country; however, things drastically changed as the virus spread all across the world.

He also introduced his message to the people of his country, "A Resilient Nation: We can. We will"

Prime Minister stated that after all these years, St Lucia now faces the same challenges it endured during the 70s when the European market became inaccessible for the country's banana production.

"As the resilient nation and people we are, we can, and we will get that job done. This year’s celebrations, though different, will give the entire country reason to celebrate and improve our determination to emerge out of the COVID pandemic," added PM Chastanet in his video address.

PM Chastanet stated that 2020, in particular, has been hard on musicians and entertainers as all the events are held virtually. He added that St Lucia is greatly benefitted from their talents.

He mentioned Verve St Lucia and Independence Committee for their idea of the Prime Minister's playlist and shared great pride in working with it.

"All activities will be held virtually, meaning that there will be no crowds in public places to cheer on those participating. But that should not detract from the enjoyment that I am sure we all will feel, watching from a distance, as it were," added St Lucian Prime Minister.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister stated that all the nurses, doctors, firemen, and police that have received the coronavirus vaccine and the country have now entered the new phase against the COVID-19.