SLP explains absence: Pierre “Grateful” for Ministry’s Vaccine Invite but believes healthcare workers should be given priority

The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has issued a statement following the rollout of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. Earlier today a handful of frontline workers, as well as Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, his wife and Health Minister Mary Isaac received the vaccine. The Opposition was not represented at today’s activity and issued the following statement moments ago:

The SLP once again expresses its appreciation for the donation of 3000 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine from the Governments of Barbados and Dominica to the people of Saint Lucia. The SLP is in full support of a vaccination programme and had called for its immediate rollout from December, 2020.

Aware of the limited number of vaccines available, the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the SLP, although grateful for the invitation extended by the Ministry of Health to receive the vaccine believes that all healthcare workers should be given priority at this time.

Hon. Philip J. Pierre wishes to assure the population that he will take the vaccine to promote public confidence as he had previously stated. However, the people of Saint Lucia should be put first, especially those on the frontline.

The donation of vaccines will be able to vaccinate just 1500 persons and should be given to those who daily place their lives and that of their families at risk. The SLP notes that in the first phase of the vaccination allocation that approximately 5500 persons will need to be vaccinated over a two-three month period. Securing the additional vaccines should be a priority for this Government in order to safely inoculate high risk and high exposure persons first then the remaining population.

The SLP also recognises the need for more education on the vaccine using all media available both in English and Kwéyòl. The success of the vaccine can only be achieved if 70% of the population receives the vaccines and therefore requires the buy-in of citizens. The Saint Lucia Labour Party remains committed to the successful rollout of the vaccination process and will continue to encourage and educate Saint Lucians about the importance of volunteering to receive the two doses.