This was the topic of the first Virtual Encounter, as the Chamber continue to engage with the Public Sector on issues of interest to members. In an effort to better understand the issues surrounding the Governments' approach to this most sensitive subject the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on 28th May, 2020 via the Zoom platform held this Encounter discussing the opening of the country to international travel and tourism.

The Panel included the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Donalyn Vittet and the CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Mrs. Beverly Nicholson-Doty. Some 55 members joined the Encounter where the speakers explained the approach taken, the strict protocols to be employed as well as the requirements for visitors to be permitted to enter the country.

An issue which was put front and center was the need for visitors to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel, while all returning nationals will be required to enter and remain in a government quarantine facility for 14 days.

New strict licensing requirements for hotels were also revealed that would allow them to manage guests and help restrict spread to the communities and workers were also discussed.

Chamber members were concerned about the spread of the disease to the local populace and the issue of visitors from the United States where it appears the virus had not been contained were raised, as well as concerns of the cross contamination that could occur between the visitors, workers in the industry and the school children who would be now back on public buses going to school.

The St. Lucia Tourism Authority pointed out the continued interest of tourists in St. Lucia as a high priced and valued destination and indicated that they were confident that visitors and the airline industry would move to meeting the standards set.  

The Chamber members generally felt that the protocols established were rigorous and understood the rational for the phased opening of the industry. There was a sense that the standards while high and protecting of the St. Lucia public would be seen as prohibitive by visitors, primarily because the COVID-19 tests were not readily available in the United States, the main source market.  

The Chamber intends to conduct more analysis and review of the issue as well as to continue consulting with the industry before rendering a specific set of comments on the Governments' plan. The Chamber was not part of any dialogue on the policy or plans, and was through this Encounter, seeking clarification and information which could help it understand the issues. The Chamber remains interested in the opening of the economy including tourism activity especially in light of the importance of the sector for employment and incomes to the people of St. Lucia as well as business linkages the sector provides. Therefore the Chamber is keen to find a way to balance the interest of economic activity with the crucial health and safety of St. Lucians.