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St. Lucia records 2 new cases of COVID-19

Coronavirus in the Caribbean

On Tuesday, April 28, 2020 results of 44 samples for persons tested for COVID-19 were received, of that batch, we received 2 positive results and 42 negative.

The first of the two positive results is a 54 year old female, diabetic, who is a direct contact from a previous positive case and has been in isolation from April 4, 2020. She is clinically doing well.

The second case is a 20 year old male, son of a previous confirmed case, who has been in isolation from April 4, 2020 and is doing well.

It must be noted that both of the new cases are contacts of a confirmed case and have been monitored in quarantine and isolation at the Rodney Bay Public Health Facility from April 4, 2020.

Saint Lucia has now recorded a total of 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19, fifteen of whom have recovered and been discharged from care. A total of 490 tests have been carried out to date.

We are still implementing our national response to the COVID-19 epidemic and as such, we should collectively remain focused and committed to reducing the spread of this virus.

Some individual measures that need to be sustained include hygiene measures such as hand washing and respiratory etiquette, use of homemade face masks, remaining home and away from public places when sick. Also, ensure personal hygiene and keep homes and office spaces clean.

The population most at risk would require special considerations to keep them safe and healthy. This includes ensuring control of chronic conditions, staying at home as much as possible and facilitating the services to them as needed.

The Ministry of Health will continue to remain vigilant and maintain the capacity for early detection, aggressive contact tracing, quarantine and isolation, testing and treatment capacity. We will continue to keep you informed in a timely manner. We have expanded the testing protocols to cover persons with respiratory symptoms within the communities, which will continue today and over the weekend.

The Ministry of Health continues active surveillance for COVID-19 but in the interim we ask all to remain guarded. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms go to the nearest respiratory clinic or call one of our tele-medicine physicians for guidance. If there is the need for any general information on COVID you may call our 311 information hotline from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight daily. All these telephone services are free to public.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue provide the public with regular updates on COVID-19.

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively

George Mitchell COVID-19 Update

George Mitchell

Covid-19 Response Coordinator, Dr. George Mitchell – April 28, 2020

“Today, Tuesday April 28th, we announce the laboratory confirmation of the 19th case of COVID-19 here on mainland Grenada—with 18 of those cases on Island.

We can also announce that 10 of our cases are now recovered, which means
that we have 8 active cases.

The individual is a male, and he is a workplace colleague of our 15th case and two of the other cases confirmed last Saturday.

As per health protocol, all confirmed cases are quarantined, as well as their close contacts. Health officials continue to tirelessly conduct contact tracing, to ascertain the probability of further transmission.

Officials have not yet determined the original point of contact for the workplace cases, but we continue to work, and we continue to test.

We must caution that due to that unknown, we must all be prepared for the probability of a community spread. From our end, we are expanding our teams in preparation for that possibility—since it will necessitate increased testing, contact tracing, building capacity for quarantine, active monitoring and other related activities.

Again, I ask that you help us by doing your part. We will continue to remind of the
guidelines for protecting yourself and others, at every turn. We already know that
frequent handwashing, overall good hygiene practices, physical distancing of at least 6 feet, and wearing a mask or suitable face covering in public spaces, will go a long way in safeguarding further spread of this disease.

These precautionary measures are most effective when combined. For example, if you are standing close to someone infected with the disease, and they are speaking to you, you have at least a 20% chance of getting sick from that exposure. If you are wearing a mask, then your risk of contraction of the disease will go down to about 4%.

Additionally, by standing at least six feet away from that infected person your risk
of contracting the virus goes down to 1%.

That is why it is important that you exercise these measures on every single occasion, especially now that many of you have returned to your workplaces.

It is quite easy to congregate in your workplaces and drop your guard, forgetting to wear your masks or ensuring that you are six feet away from the nearest person. But, dropping their guard is likely what happened in the workplace cases that are now reporting. This disease can rapidly spread in such close environments, so please, practice the safety measures.

That is the only way we can truly curb the spread of COVID-19, and ultimately save lives, and return to daily living.

We continue to ask that if you are, or anyone you know is experiencing symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, cough, weakness, abdominal pain or diarrhoea, please send us a message, or call us at 538 4787 or 458 4787.

Together, we can save each other.

I thank you.”

George Grant – The Final Episode

The final episode of the exemplary show, Sundays with George Grant,

GEORGE GRANT of GRENADA BROADCAST — a stalwart Grenadian-Caribbean citizen and an outstanding, professional journalist of impeccable integrity, who was blessed with a classic voice, which was well-utilized, is dead.

SOURCES OUT of GRENADA are REPORTING that the professional, daring, balanced and well-spoken journalist, George Grant, who originally hails from the parish of St. Andrew, Grenada, was found lifeless at his home in St. George’s on the evening of Monday, April 27, 2020.

GEORGE, who FOUNDED and MANAGED GRENADA BROADCAST (a mass communications establishment); produced and hosted the popular, syndicated, unforgettable radio/online “Sundays with George Grant;” and also delivered several other online shows, including “Gudday Grenada,” among other media products and initiatives.

IN MEMORY OF GEORGE GRANT and as a celebration of his amazing life, which encompassed training and work experience in aviation, reporting, tourism marketing and broadcasting that fully embraced cutting edge, online technologies (even in his senior years), I am sharing the attached video of George’s final production of his Sundays with George Grant show.

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES are EXTENDED to his relatives of and to the Grenada Broadcast family. May his soul rest in peace, even as we pay tribute to him as a stalwart citizen of Grenada and the Caribbean; a professional, consummate broadcaster who exercised balance and a burning passion for truth and accuracy in journalism; and a practitioner who was always at the cutting edge, utilizing technology to get worthwhile information to the masses, ‘cost him what it may.’

THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER “SUNDAYS with GEORGE GRANT” show like we knew it with George Grant. The scope and currency of his topics, the depth of his content, the inclusive range of the guests he interviewed, and the alluringly authoritative sound of his voice — can never be duplicated. However, we must do our best to ensure that we emulate the integrity and dedication he exhibited in ensuring that his media house remained independent and maintained the tradition of being a defender of the 4th estate.

The Passing of George Grant

George Grant

Minister for Information extends condolences on the passing of veteran broadcaster, George Grant

Minister for Information, Hon. Emmalin Pierre expresses deepest condolences to the family and friends of veteran Broadcaster, Mr. George Grant who died on Monday. Grant was known and appreciated for decades of work in both Radio and Television. He was highly respected among media workers. “As Minister for Information I also extend sympathy to the Media Workers Association and those who mourn his passing.” May his soul rest in peace.

Gender Gap in ICT Field is Critical

Narrow Gender Gap in ICT Field

Narrow Gender Gap in ICT Field – CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General

CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, Amb. Manorma Soeknandan, Ph.D, has called for the narrowing of the gender gap between men and women in the field of ICT.

Amb. Soeknandan threw out the challenge during the first CARICOM Digital Dialogue to observe International Day for Girls in ICT on the 23rd of April. The Dialogue was organised by the CARICOM Partnership for Girls in ICT, which comprises Ministries of ICT, Youth, Education and Gender in CARICOM Member States and Associate Members, as well as regional and international organisations. It was anchored in Georgetown, Guyana, and attracted thousands of participants primarily via Zoom and Facebook, as well as via other media platforms.

In remarks to open the two-hour long forum, Amb. Soeknandan underscored the vital role of women in ICT, but lamented the wide gender gap between men and women in tech.

Girls and women, she added, could be proud of the “special perspective we bring to the STEM field and any field. “

She said there needed to be increased positive messages about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and ICT, and the role and relevance of ICT in schools at all levels.

“We need to speak more and help more CARICOM girls and women to join the ICT revolution,” she rallied participants.

She pointed out that those issues would be undertaken by the CARICOM Girls in ICT Partnership, as it continued its work to develop policy which supported the Region’s empowerment, and which responded to the Sustainable Goals agenda blueprint for development by 2030.

“The Partnership is expected to work as a Network of networks, with similar structure replicated at the Member State levels for developing the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, in CARICOM,” she said.

The Deputy Secretary-General also challenged men and boys to get involved in the drive to get more women into the tech sector. More girls and women in the sector could not happen without the involvement of the men who already had a seat at that table, she pointed out.

Other speakers at the event included Dr. Barbara Reynolds who delivered the keynote address; Ms. Jennifer Britton, Deputy Programme Manager, ICT4D at the CARICOM Secretariat, who moderated the programme; CARICOM Youth Ambassadors and other representatives of youth in CARICOM; and members of the Partnership.

The Dialogue was held under the theme “Regional Resilience – ICT, STEM and Youth”.

International Day for Girls in ICT is held on the fourth Thursday of April each year under the theme ‘Expand horizons, change attitudes’.

Read More >

Republic Bank (EC) Ltd joins the Battle Against COVID-19

Republic Bank (EC) Ltd joins the Battle Against COVID-19 in the OECS

The world as we knew it will never be the same.  Facilitating a thriving business environment in the OECS beyond COVID-19 will call for a complete shift in the way banking and financial institutions operate.  Regional financial giant, Republic Bank (EC) Limited, through its Managing Director, Ms. Michelle Palmer-Keizer, said it stands ready to adjust its sails and maintain agility in service delivery:

“Republic Bank has always held the well-being of our customers and our communities as our primary focus. As the circumstances around the pandemic unfold, we will continue to assess our responses to ensure that the best interests of our customers, staff and communities continue to be served.

The remarks were made following the official signing of a Partnership Agreement between the OECS and Republic Bank (EC) Limited in response to the pandemic. The bank contributed a total amount of US$200,000.00 for the purpose of:

  1. Purchasing a supply of Interferon Alfa-2B, which is one of the medications administered for the treatment of COVID-19.  The medication will be distributed among nine (9) OECS Member States; and
  2. Delivery of a strategic communications campaign around COVID-19.

Republic Bank (EC) Limited is one of ten banks owned by the Republic Bank Financial Holdings, a legendary financial institution within the wider Eastern Caribbean. Its almost 200-year-old footprint has cemented a growth strategy that is supported by comprehensive and innovative social investment programmes and initiatives, bringing direct benefits to citizens of the Eastern Caribbean.

OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules expressed gratitude to Republic Bank (EC) Limited on behalf of OECS Member States, and further stated that he looked forward to continued partnership with the financial institution on matters that will stimulate economic growth and development in the OECS:

“We are heartened not only by Republic Bank’s expression of corporate responsibility by being all in with the battle against COVID-19 but also with its stated intent of joining the OECS in its thrust to fuel entrepreneurship and innovation.”  

Republic Bank

Managing Director, Ms. Michelle Palmer-Keizer congratulated the OECS for the bold step in spearheading a coordinated regional response to the pandemic, and explained the rationale for this partnership lies in the shared values of social corporate responsibility, with people at its core:

“Working with other socially responsible organisations to do good within the communities we serve is part of our philosophy, it’s an essential element of who we are. We understand that we have a responsibility to assist not only with the immediate relief efforts but also with longer-term efforts to rebuild our businesses, our communities and our lives.” 

Ms. Palmer-Keizer went on to encourage the regional private sector to lend support to the OECS’ COVID-19 Response:

“We are facing an unprecedented situation in managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which calls for an equally unprecedented show of unity in support of our region’s response to the pandemic. We hope to see more of our peers, in the private sector, join in the immediate fight against the spread of the virus and in the rebuilding efforts that will be required in its aftermath.”

Further information on how private sector companies can support the OECS’s COVID-19 Response can be obtained by contacting the Development Cooperation and Resource Mobilisation Unit at the OECS, via telephone 1-758-455-6354 or through email at dcrm@oecs.int.

 

COVID-19 Case Number 15 Recorded

Coronavirus in the Caribbean

On Friday, April 10, 2020 Saint Lucia confirmed one additional case of COVID-19 bringing our national total to fifteen.

As of April 9, 2020, the World Health Organization reported a total of 1,436,198 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally with a total of 85,522 deaths. There are now 454,710 confirmed cases in the region of the Americas. The affected region includes:

Dominican Republic (1956),
Haiti (27),
Barbados (63),
Jamaica (63),
Cuba (457),
Dominica (15),
Grenada (12),
Trinidad and Tobago (107),
Guyana (33),
Antigua and Barbuda (19),
Bahamas (36),
Saint Vincent and Grenadines (8),
Martinique (152),
US Virgin Islands (45),
Cayman Islands (45).

On Friday, April 10, 2020 Saint Lucia confirmed one additional case of COVID-19 bringing our national total to fifteen. A total of 24 samples were tested with one positive and twenty three negatives. This new positive case of COVID-19 is an 18 year old male who is a close contact of a previously confirmed case. He was initially placed in home quarantine and upon developing
symptoms was taken in for testing and isolated. Contact tracing for this case is on-going.

Currently, Saint Lucia has a total of 32 persons in quarantine and 19 in isolation. All COVID-19 cases currently in isolation continue to do well and respond well to treatment. None have complicated or required respiratory support. We continue to record zero deaths. Four of our previously confirmed cases have recovered clinically and through laboratory diagnosis and have
been discharged from the isolation facility.

Respiratory clinics nationally continue to function well, receiving a number of persons on a daily basis who present with flu-like symptoms. Samples are taken at these clinics for persons who are assessed and to clinically determine whether they meet the criteria for testing for COVID19. The respiratory clinics have proven to be effective in streamlining patients for testing and care as may be required. This is complemented with active surveillance in communities to identify potential cases of COVID-19 and to bring persons in for testing.

On April 9, 2020 the Ministry of Health & Wellness in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister launched a website which serves as a dedicated COVID-19 virtual repository. This website aims to provide the public with information on COVID-19 and recent updates on the national response. The site can be accessed on www.covid19response.lc.

The Ministry of Health continues to advise the public to focus on the maintenance of standard recommendations to prevent the spread of the COVID infection. These include:
– – regular hand washing with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer where soap and water is not available.
– – cover mouth and nose with disposable tissues or clothing when coughing and sneezing.
– – avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
– – seek medical attention and share your travel history with your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel.

The Department of Health and Wellness will continue providing regular updates on COVID-19.

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively

ECSC positive action during COVID-19 Pandemic

ECSC - Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court arrangements during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Further to the press release dated 19th March 2020, this serves as an update on the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s response to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic affecting our region. In recent weeks, we have witnessed unprecedented changes to the daily lives of citizens and residents of the Eastern Caribbean as Governments of the Court’s Member States and Territories seek to break the chain of transmission of the COVID-19 in the region.

The ECSC is continuing to take measures and implement strategies to safeguard the health and safety of the general public, judicial officers and court staff while at the same time maintaining a functioning judicial system and access to justice. Her Ladyship, The Honourable Dame Janice M. Pereira, Chief Justice has directed that electronic means of communication, video and teleconferencing, be utilized where feasible, to conduct hearings in each of the Member States and Territories. This is to ensure that court services and hearings remain available and uninterrupted as far as possible while reducing the level of person-to-person contact.

ECSC COVID-19 Emergency Measures Practice Direction

As it relates to the filing of Court documents, in Member States and Territories where the ECSC E-Litigation Portal (“the Portal”) has been implemented, filings of documents in court matters already on the Portal and the filing of new court matters will continue as normal, as much as possible. To provide for the continued filing of Court documents in Member States where the Portal has not been implemented and for matters in all Member States and Territories not currently on the Portal, the Court has made special provisions for electronic filing.

On 25th March 2020 the ECSC introduced the ECSC COVID-19 Emergency Measures Practice Direction (now in its 2nd Re-Issue) which makes a number of provisions, including for the filing of Court documents by e-mail in Member States and Territories where Court Offices are closed under Government mandated shutdowns. The COVID-19 Emergency Measures Practice Direction also makes special provisions for service of documents by e-mail where possible.

To gain a full appreciation and understanding of the Court’s emergency measures and other applicable restrictions we invite you to read Practice Direction No. 3 of 2020, COVID -19 Emergency Measures (2nd Re-Issue), which is available on the ECSC website at https://www.eccourts.org/practice-directions/.

Court Of Appeal Matters

  • Urgent applications to the Court of Appeal will be assessed by the Court for Hearing and will be heard either by electronic means or ,where the rules provide, on paper.
  • The Court will monitor the local and regional situation to make assessments for the conduct of upcoming scheduled Chamber Hearings and Full Court sittings.
  • All Court of appeal matters should be filed using either the Portal or via email in accordance with the COVID-19 Emergency Measures Practice Direction in cases where filing of such matters are not yet available on the Portal or the Portal is not yet available in your Member State. For those Member States and Territories where the Portal has been introduced, a strategy is being developed to bring on to the Portal those matters which were still being managed utilizing manual filings. If a Court Office is open in a Member State or Territory and is accepting filings, appeal documents should be filed at the local High Court Office and copies of filed documents must thereafter be e-mailed to the Court of Appeal Registry by the filing party.

High Court – Civil Cases (includes Commercial Matters in the Territory of the Virgin Islands and Saint Lucia)

  • Urgent applications to the court will be heard remotely or by written submissions.
  • Except for urgent applications to the court, hearings and trials for civil matters are
    suspended with immediate effect until further notice, unless the judicial officer determines that the matter can be dealt with by video or tele conference.
  • For those Member States and Territories where the Portal has been introduced, a strategy is being developed to bring on to the Portal those matters which were still being managed utilizing manual filings.

High Court – Criminal cases

  • All jury trials have been suspended until further notice, and all jurors are excused.
  • Video link conferencing will be utilized wherever possible for bail hearings, emergency
    applications and adjournments for persons in remand.

Court users are asked to liaise with the High Court Registrar at all times to receive further
instructions as to the filing, listing and hearing of all High Court matters.

Please be advised that the Court will proceed on its normal Easter Vacation from Thursday 9th April 2020 to Friday 17th April 2020. Please note that the Court of Appeal Registry and the High Court Registry in each Member State and Territory will still be open, subject to the
measures which are in place as directed by their national Governments, and will also be
accepting filings either via the Portal or via email.

Our information on the ECSC response to COVID-19 is constantly being updated. Court users and visitors are therefore advised to refer to the ECSC website for the latest information.

The ECSC Headquarters located at the Heraldine Rock Building, Waterfront, Castries and the Sub-Office at the Renham Building, Castries will remain closed until further notice. Kindly note that you may contact our Office via email at the following email Addresses; General queries – offices@eccourts.org and Court of Appeal Registry – registry@eccourts.org

 

OECS Commission mobilizes 1.2M to fight OCVID-19

OECS Commission

OECS Commission mobilizes EC$1.2M in resources to help fight the spread of COVID-19 in the Eastern Caribbean

With the number of cases around the world increasing daily, the onslaught of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be a massive threat to the various sectors within the Eastern Caribbean. This pandemic emphasizes the need for greater collaboration and a progressive movement towards sustainable development among its Member States.

Ahead of the first Sustainable Development Summit (SDM2020) scheduled for later this year, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission said the event is designed to bring heads, hands and hearts together, with a determination to provoke regional harmonization and a paradigm shift.

The Director General of the OECS Commission, Dr. Didacus Jules said,

“Life as we know it has been drastically changed and as a consequence of this pandemic, we are examining all possibilities; and galvanizing our efforts in the fight against this disease, which will help us ensure that when the time is right, we are safe enough to convene for the SDM Summit.”

Channeling resources through the Commission’s Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (PPS) system – a proven economic strategy used by the Commission for many years – is one of several strategies being employed by the OECS Commission in response to the COVID disease.

The OECS was nimble at scaling up these activities under the PPS model to conduct swift mass purchasing of critical medical supplies to be distributed across the region. The system leverages economies of scale for the Member States and ensures equitable availability and affordability of essential drugs for citizens, health organizations and retailers. This mass purchasing helps both citizens and organizations prepare for longer periods of self-isolation and possible worldwide shortage of essential drugs and testing supplies.

Dr. Jules explains that while the Commission is still executing plans to strengthen regional support by hosting the SDM 2020 Summit,

“The immediate focus is for the OECS to remain at the coordinating centre of the COVID-19 response efforts. Our role is to keep that dialogue going; and maintain that convergence of policy and action well beyond September. We also have a WhatsApp group with the heads of government; so these exchanges are happening in real time.” 

He noted that this level of tight-knitted regional cooperation between government heads is one of the primary premises of the Commission and the glue that birthed the concept for the Sustainable Development Movement.

Adding to this sentiment, Head of Health, Human and Social Cluster for the OECS Commission, Dr. Carlene Radix said,

“Our joint effort response to COVID-19 is part of the ‘MOVEMENT’ concept. In our role as the Health Unit within the Commission we work closely with partner health organizations within the region – the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) – to facilitate coordination and synergies. We have collaborated with these organizations to identify gaps and provide solutions to all the Member States at every level.” 

In addition to maximizing the power of the PPS system, Dr. Radix added that the OECS Health Unit is embarking on several integrated response approaches, one of which is leveraging the Commission’s convening power to get chief medical officers to work together and take a closer look at situations that may be unique to the smaller islands.

Through this harmonious model of operation, the OECS was able to help the Member States better assess and articulate their needs for medical supplies, human resources and measures that are needed to curb the spread of the virus.

Furthermore, several businesses have provided funding under the OECS Partnership Against COVID-19: Engaging the Region’s Private Sector initiative. Thanks to Massy Stores Saint Lucia, Sagicor Life (EC) Inc, Republic Bank, Bank of Saint Lucia and LUCELEC, over USD$450,000 (EC$1.2 million) has been mobilized to date. Resources will be distributed across the Eastern Caribbean including medical supplies, education programmes, purchasing of infrared thermometers, aid with lab testing and the implementation of a COVID-19 awareness campaign across the Member States.

The OECS Commission is sparing no effort to combat the virus and its ramifications. Exploring solutions and mobilizing global resources not just in health, but on all fronts including education, social, environmental and economic sectors. So far, the Republic of Cuba has provided human resource support, where doctors and nurses are being deployed across the Member States; while a mass supply of personal protective equipment from Direct Relief, including N95 masks, gloves and gowns, were received.

Adding to the COVID-defense operations, the OECS Commission has also requested a supply for Real-Time (RT) PCR laboratory equipment produced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria.

Dr. Jules noted that,

“The IAEA will also be providing training for doctors and lab technicians, who will be handling and activating the RT PCR device. He noted that the device would tremendously boost testing capability within the region and provide quick turnaround time for results.”

Head of the OECS Development Cooperation and Resource Mobilization Unit; and chief project coordinator for SDM2020, Lisa Stone-Taylor, reiterated that

“The PPS model and its handling of pandemics will be on full display at SDM2020; giving businesses, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and other countries an opportunity to learn about the PPS mechanisms and possibly join the partnership.” 

She added that,

“As we explore the opportunities that this pandemic has presented, COVID-19 is forcing us to be agile and is bringing to the forefront the need for all of us to look at sustainability through different focal lens. Once the COVID ordeal has passed and it becomes safe for social gatherings to resume, SDM2020 will create a space for these discoveries and provide a platform for the launch of several pioneering models and programmes for multi-sectoral impact.”

While it is still very early days in analyzing the true impact of the OECS strategy, the OECS Director General noted some key lessons for future crisis planning.

“The first lesson is the importance of having a strategic mind-shift that emphasizes vulnerability to resilience; we define resilience as a multidimensional construct – climatic, environmental, social [including health and well-being], economic, infrastructural and psychological. Ever since the double whammy of Hurricanes Irma and Maria which wrought devastation to several OECS Member States, we have been re-defining what resilience should mean for us as Small Island Developing States.  

The second lesson is the vital importance of a deep functional integration among the OECS Member States. This will ensure that there is policy convergence, compliance with vital international protocols (for example the International Health Regulations), sharing of resources and joint procurement of critical needs, harmonization of initiatives,” Dr. Jules said. 

Finally, Dr. Jules noted that

“This is a stark reminder that this pandemic presents some consequences of our failures; we ought to learn from our history to strategically position ourselves for the future. Future-proofing is not a luxury; it is an imperative.”

Drought Warning issued by the Meteorological Services

Drought

WASCO urges conservative water use in light of drought Warning

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. WASCO wishes to draw the public’s attention to a Drought Warning issued by the Meteorological Services Department and concerns relating to this prevailing dry season and the impact thereof it is currently having on our water resource.

Dry conditions continue at this time and the prediction for this weather pattern has been forecasted well into 2020 by weather experts. This has continued to deplete our raw water supply from the traditional abstraction points within the river system as well as the John Compton Dam reservoir.

As a result of this dry spell, WASCO is currently considering a number of options to ensure that the available water supply is distributed to all customers. Considerations under review include the extension of a valving schedule which has already been implemented in some communities.

WASCO also urges customers to immediately implement the following measures.
• Repair all noticeable water leaks within the home and or premises
• Install or replace defective ball valves in your toilet tanks
• To conserve water, it is advisable to stop using a hose for the washing of vehicles
and bicycles
• Stop watering lawns
• Shut taps while using soap on your body or shaving or brushing teeth
• Shut taps while washing/rinsing dishes or clothes
• Harvest rain water whenever possible for household use and watering plants
• Use water saving devices on the taps or hoses at home.

WASCO is mindful of the increased demand for water at this time as the country seeks
to stem the spread of COVID-19 through the mandated health protocol of frequently washing of hands, clothing etc. and of course Social Distancing.
WASCO seeks the full cooperation of the public to the foregoing as it strives to manage
the supply of available water to serve every community.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of WASCO wish to extend our thoughts
and prayers to all of our Clients, Government and people of Saint Lucia as preemptive
measures are taken to curtail the spread of COVID-19 

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