St Kitts and Nevis to allow public events from March 2022: Abdias Samuel

Chairman of the National COVID-19 Task Force St Kitts and Nevis, Abdias Samuel, indicated that discussions are ongoing to allow major events such as fetes and activities as of March. He stated that discussions are ongoing with the cabinet, but the final decision is pending.

The Task Force will communicate with the Ministry of Entertainment, which will then communicate with promoters and entertainers to have the industry restart progressively and safely.

"We're saying gradually because we don't want to go back unless there's a large epidemic," said Samuel

"It needs to be restarted, and it needs to be restarted correctly. We get it right the first time and keep it that way so we don't have to go back unless there's a large outbreak that is the National COVID-19 Task Force's thought process, and we are here to work with everyone to get their sector back up and running," he added.

COVID-19 has been present in St Kitts and Nevis since 2020, and substantial precautions have been taken to slow the pandemic's spread among the people. The success of the Rollup 2 Roll out Campaign, as well as the skilled management of the virus's propagation, has given authorities more leeway to relax the limitations.

People had been long demanding the resumption of public events. The recent statement by Abidas Samuel comes as a ray of hope for many entertainers, artists and other persons associated with the industry.

The resumption is expected to generate more tourism related activities and support the economy of St Kitts and Nevis.

The government is yet to give a final date and guidelines related to the resumption of public entertainment activities. It is expected that the events will only be allowed under strict coronavirus related guidelines such as wearing of face masks, social distancing. It is not clear whether a proof of vaccination will be mandatory to attend  the events or not.