SAINT LUCIA

On May 19, the Government of Saint Lucia published its “Framework to Reopen Saint Lucia” which proposes a phased approach to the reopening of the economy. It explains that Saint Lucia is currently in the third phase of the process and they expect to begin phase four in June to allow for the full operation of essential and non essential services.  On May 18, the Ministry of Commerce published Statutory Instrument No. 74 of 2020 allowing all services to open during non-curfew hours, which is already in force. 

This instrument maintains the curfew for a further two weeks until May 31, from 9 pm to 5 am, during which only essential services may operate. However, it establishes that those with valid liquor licences may sell alcohol every day between the hours of 7 am to 6 pm. The initiative also defines certain exceptions to the ban on international flights, such as emergency medical flights, and establishes that all businesses must adhere to the social distancing measures and COVID-19 protocols issued by the Ministry of Health.

Finally the Executive branch announced a phased approach to reopening the island’s tourism sector, after June 4, 2020. In the statement, phase one of the process envisages opening the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) to incoming flights only from the US. Moreover, the government is developing a COVID-19 Certificate for hotels, requiring them to comply with a series of health and safety protocols. Phase two of the island’s new “responsible approach” to tourism will commence August 1, 2020, with details to be revealed in the next few weeks.