PM declares weekend of mourning

PRESS RELEASE

Government Declares Weekend of Mourning for Victims of Choiseul Tragedy

By now most Saint Lucians are aware of the tragic event which occurred during the evening of November 10th, 2011. This involved a mini bus which went over a cliff and plunged into the sea at Morne Sion in the Quarter of Choiseul. This resulted in seventeen (17) confirmed death mainly from the community of Dugard  in the Quarter of Micoud. Prime Minister Stephenson King visited the site of this unfortunate tragedy last evening and remained on site until 3:00 am this morning. The Cabinet of Ministers met in
Emergency session earlier today to discuss this major national tragedy and to determine Government’s response.

The following decisions were arrived at by the Cabinet of Ministers:

1. That the Friday 11th to Sunday13th, November 2011 be declared a Weekend of National
Mourning in order to pay respect to those who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident.

2. All flags on Government buildings and Business places must be flown at half mast during the entire weekend (over the three day period).

3. Sunday, November 13th, 2011 be declared a National Day of Remembrance. During that day there will be an Ecumenical Service held at the Desruisseux Roman Catholic Church from 5:00 pm.

4. That an official Message of Condolence will place on the Government of Saint Lucian website.

During this weekend all political and public social events will be suspended. Government calls on all patriotic Saint Lucians to observe fully the weekend of mourning as a mark of respect for the victims of this painful tragedy.

The Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the entire Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives and friends of all those who lost their lives as a result of this most tragic occurrence.  This is indeed a dark day in our history.

The Government of Saint Lucia has began putting measures in place to support and to comfort the bereaved.  The Ministry of Education has taken steps to make counseling services available to the students of the affected schools.  Through the Division of Human Services, arrangements are also being made to make such services available to the affected households, families and communities.