“I struggle with the mask”- PM

Expressing concern over behavioral changes in Saint Lucians, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says that an aggressive campaign will be rolled out as the country reopens its doors to travelers. The prime minister acknowledges that he also has to do better and says that the country’s health protocols must be exercised to the nth degree.

During an appearance on Blazin FM today, Chastanet indicated that many citizens are starting to think that the country is out of the woods. “So you’re seeing the behavior start to change. When we’re now going to have to go on an aggressive campaign to reverse that, particularly with us opening back up the economy.”

Addressing the behavioral change, he said: “Take me for example, I struggle with the mask. I gag. I mean it’s gotten worse as time has gone by. Even when you just put it under my chin here, I just feel like I’m being choked. I don’t suffer from claustrophobia but there’s just something in it.” As for the face shield alternative, he stated “I feel like I look like robocop when I go around with it. But I’m going to have to overcome that.”

He noted that when travelers return to the country, they do not know what to expect. An aggressive behavioral change campaign is needed, he reiterated. “Even when you see people standing in line. The idea of being 6 feet apart, that number has gotten closer and closer. So people got a break and now over the next couple of weeks we’re going to have to really revamp back up as a country, including myself, to really exercise to the nth degree our protocols,” said Chastanet.

During a press conference on June 16 Acting Commisioner of Police Milton Desir, addressed videos in which the prime minister can be seen in public without wearing a mask.

The prime minister, Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, are scheduled to update the nation on government’s response to the COVID-19 situation today.