PM Chastanet emphasizes Unity as Govt Moves to continue COVID-19 SOE

St Lucia: Prime Minister Allen Chastanet Monday night appealed for unity.

This statement came one day before his administration goes to parliament to extend a coronavirus state of emergency (SOE) for 90 days.

Parliament will meet on Tuesday to consider extending the SOE from February 11 to May 16.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet declared the strong belief that if Saint Lucians all work together and are resilient, they can and will succeed.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet made the remarks in an address to the nation. PM recalled that Saint Lucians have preponderated over hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods as a people.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said the one thing that has supported the country’s success in the past had been the ability to come together and work as one people.

He asserted, “Success and unity go hand in hand.”

Chastanet requested citizens to continue to follow the protocols and reclaim their country from the clutches of ‘this terrible virus.’

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet explained that the state of emergency would allow the government to implement a curfew. Chastanet mentioned that the government did so from June to September of last year with great success.

Nevertheless, Chastanet said neither the curfew nor the state of emergency is to restrict citizens or strip them of their civil rights.

He stated that “We must take measures to limit movement and lessen the avenues of contact that drive the virus.”

And Chastanet confessed that the authorities might adjust the curfew during the 90 days.

Furthermore, he affirmed that the authorities might even lift the curfew based on the number of new coronavirus cases.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet told the nation that the state of emergency might also end before the 90 days.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who is also Minister of Finance, said the purpose is to keep most people employed and the economy operating.

PM Allen Chastanet stated, “And we believe we have found the right balance.”

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