Government of Saint Lucia

Address on World Hearing Day by The Minister for Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs (Kweyol Version)

World Hearing Day Address (2022) Address by the Minister for Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs, Hon. Moses Jn.Baptise on World Hearing Day

Handover of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the UK . Saint Lucia receives a much needed batch of Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine to aid in its vaccination program.

Two executive members of the St. Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) have been appointed to serve on two important committees of the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC). See full details below: http://www.govt.lc/.../boxing-association-executives...

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs informs the public that effective Tuesday March 1, 2022 COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be administered at the mass vaccination sites. Vaccination for COVID-19 will be offered at Wellness Centres island-wide through a walk-in service. See full details below: http://www.govt.lc/news/covid-19-vaccination-to-be-administered-at-wellness-centres-island-wide

The Government of Saint Lucia condemns the military invasion and attacks on Ukraine by the Russian Federation. See full details below: http://www.govt.lc/news/saint-lucias-statement-on-escalating-tensions-between-ukraine-and-russia

OPENING HOURS OF RESPIRATORY CLINICS ON WEEKENDS The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs informs the public that effective Tuesday March 1, 2022 the Vieux Fort Wellness Centre Respiratory Clinic and the Gros Islet Polyclinic Respiratory Clinic will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m to 12 noon. The Gros Islet PolyclinicRespiratory Clinic will also operate on Sundays from 8 a.m to 12 noon. The Ministry of Health thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Three school-constructions projects being undertaken by the Education Quality Improvement Project (EQuIP) of the Ministry of Education are said to be going smoothly and anticipated to be completed on schedule. Chris Satney reports on a site visit conducted recently on the three construction sites.

Following the successful tree planting exercise at the Ma Kôté Mangrove conducted by the Forestry Department in collaboration with the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) on World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2022, the SLNT shall be planting a further one thousand red mangrove plants at the Ma Kôté Mangrove on February 26, 2022. The SLNT shall be collaborating with Heineken Saint Lucia Ltd, the GEF Southeast Coast project, the Forestry Department, SLNT members and other volunteers in this continued effort to rehabilitate the largest mangrove in the OECS. This activity will commence at 7a.m. A severe case of mangrove dieback was first observed in 2015 and recent images obtained from drone flights conducted by the SLNT in October 2021, showed that the area of dieback has increased significantly. Through the “Increasing the climate change resilience and public awareness of the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area and Pigeon Island National Landmark ecosystems” project funded by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF)” and with additional funding from Flora and Fauna International (FFI), the SLNT propagated over 1000 mangrove plants from the four species found at Ma Kôté, within the aim of conducting restoration work at the Ma Kôté mangrove. Prior to commencing with the replanting exercise and inorder to ascertain the cause of the dieback and to assess the general health of the mangrove forest, the SLNT contracted the services of the Institute of Marine Affairs in August 2021, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Ma Kôté Mangrove. This assessment forms part of the aforementioned project and the preliminary results are being used to guide the locations for the replanting, to ensure successful regrowth of this mangrove forest. The Ma Kôté Mangrove is an important national asset, as it provides livelihoods, sustains the vital fisheries sector, protects our Southeast coast from the impact of extreme weather events and forms a significant part of Saint Lucia’s natural heritage.

Press Statement - Dr. Sharon Belmar George on Integrating COVID 19 Response into the Health System INTEGRATING THE COVID-19 RESPONSE INTO THE HEALTH SYSTEM We appeal to all organisations, public and private sector to ensure the strengthening of all public health protocols. We continue working with the various sectors to reduce restrictive protocols without increasing health risks. We continue to remind you of the following important measures: - Avoid large crowds and crowded areas - If you develop respiratory symptoms, seek medical care and avoid contact with others. Avoid large meetings and crowded activities and social gatherings - Ensure the protocols are maintained at all work places and sectors, on minibuses and commercial and tourism sector, gyms, hardware stores, supermarkets and recreational activities - Ensure safe physical distancing for face to face meetings and activities - Use of face mask when in public places - Ensure regular cleaning of surfaces and sanitation of all business establishments and environments - Ensure you remain in quarantine or isolation if you were a direct contact of a case or a member of your household is positive - Limit social activities at work - Encourage vaccination of employees

Agriculture Minister Visits Region 1 & 2 - Ministry of Agriculture Report Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Alfred Prospere continues visits to farmers across Saint Lucia to obtain information directly from farmers as to the way forward with the agriculture sector, this time through a tour and meeting with Farmers from agriculture regions 1 & 2

FAO LAUNCHES TRAINING OF SCHOOL COOKS - Ministry of Agriculture Report The Agriculture Ministry alongside development partner the FAO and Mexico make good on promises to empower partners of the Sustainable School Feeding Initiative on the island.