Given the extent of the outbreak of Ebola affecting Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has advised the Commissioner of Police, Vernon Francois, to implement with immediate effect, a prohibition on persons from these countries who wish to travel to Saint Lucia.
All visitors from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone will be denied entry into Saint Lucia until further notice.
Despite the fact that the President of Nigeria has declared that Nigeria is Ebola free, visitors from Nigeria will be required to present a recent medical certificate which clears him/her of the virus, in addition to a VISA to be allowed entry into Saint Lucia.
The Prime Minister says the Government of Saint Lucia continues to monitor the outbreak and has allocated resources to prepare for any possible threat.
Recent events in Dallas, Texas have prompted a heightened awareness and necessitate strong action to ensure that Saint Lucia is protected.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor developments in the United States and Europe, the three severely affected West African countries and will provide updates to the public.
Good move by our brothers to the south, DA needs to follow.
I Guess the Millions from the creole fest will be enough to take care of the Ebola!
Mr Pm I am sounding a call to you now is not the time for feteing, now is the time for every leader to protects its people.
I can assure you that every country in the world will close its door on us if this emdemic enters our shore, and you will be the one to be blame, you will run but you wont be able to hide, the cries of the people will be on your back! For some measly dollars, what is to be gained?
People are looking for a way of escape and the festival is one of their only hope!
We know your relations with Liberia but you owe us that much! Are you willing to sacrifice your people? Let Ebola get here on its own, please dont go searching for it!
Our nurses and Health care workers deserve better! The world is leaving in fear but I realize we are God fearing people so we are not troubled, let us not be troubled but put God in all things!
BAN THE FESTIVAL UNTIL All is safe! MR PM I really waiting to hear what your take on that is…….. I am really disappointed in you all. I wonder how many people having spent millions to have a party and knows that a Natural Disaster is going to strike will still have the party and risk loosing their lives.
The Ban people do not care because they are on stage and not in the crowd! They get V.I.P treatment! I am not saying its coming but precaution is better than cure! Dont risk it for Wadix and The DFF sake! AA
Very GOOD MOVE! matter of fact GREAT MOVE! Do not give people false hope by saying you are prepared. This committe in dominica that talking about we are prepared to handle ebola as creole festival coming around need to stop them lies! Big place like America cannot even fully contain it muchless for us in little Dominica. And what that killing me is that the people that had press conference saying we ready…God forbid we get a case you will NEVER see them on the scene. They will be inside well protected
Why is it that at the OECS Ministers of Health meeting they couldn’t have issued a joint statement. Is it because Dominica is not in agreement.
Furthermore it would be more effective to request in addition that airlines and travel agents not sell tickets to people from areas or countries that could have been at risk of exposure whose destination is any of these islands .It is done for mothers in late pregnancy.
These things really bring tears to my eyes.I’m just thinking if dominica was to be banned from traveling because of infestication like that what’s going to happen.How are we going to feel.are we just going to be left to die..but banning is to travel would be the right thing to do
This is not a joke people Ebola is no joke the PM and Discover Dominica Needs to cancel the festival or put flight restrictions on American, Spain and all the west African Countries that have been affected.
WE are in no way ready or will ever be ready to deal with this virus it will wipe Dominica Clean if we dont keep people off our shores. we dont even have health official taking temperatures on the ports as they do in Africa. But we ready NONE-SENSE….. This thing makes me so mad when i think of it. look how easy that lady get it and everyone she has been in contact with is going to get it too…. OOHHH GOD how we going to deal with that PAPA…….
Putting politics aside, I really think Dominica should follow suit.
so u ban the african from entering your country but the other 200 people on the same plane who was sitting next to or around the african can enter the country how is that goign to stop ebola virus ? its already to late to ban them or turn them away from the country
If Dominica get’s even one case of Ebola I can almost guarantee that ALL travel from DOMINICA will be restricted.
You think the rest of the Caribbean and the world don’t know the state and competence of our health care?
The rest of the world could care less if a blockade was setup around Dominica if only to protect themselves.
Good move from the PM of St Lucia and The PM of St Vincent and the Grenadines these men put their country first and they are looking our for their people.. St Lucia and St Vincent isn’t ready for ebola and Dominica is ready eh beh weh..
Indeed, Dominica should do the same immediately before frustrated West Africans decide to travel to Dominica. That freedom of movement is really something you know.
I also think that the Nigerians who are healthy should be isolated for a few days before mixing with the islanders. This would be just to determine whether there really is not an ebola virus within them as it takes time to show itself in people.
I wonder how we will treat with North America when the # of cases increase. Interestingly enough, I wonder how we will treat with the Dominicans/non-Dominicans coming from Dallas for the festival and thereafter. Do we know if any of them were exposed? Lots of Caribbean people work at hospitals in the US and may also come in contact with Ebola patients outside of hospitals. After all, the lady in the latest case took a flight just the day before she tested positive.
But then again, the DA health authorities said they are ready!
Fools! First of all DA does not have an international airport (a blessing in this case) and travellers to DA from these area must change airlines in adjacent countries before entering Dominica so if such countries make a decision to ban travellers from these arrears there is no need for DA to do the same! Beside Quarantine approach would be more appropriate than simply denying people freedom to travel! Next time it may be Dominicans who are restricted for what ever reason, how would some of you who support such ignorance like that?
But there are other international airports which have not banned them from entering. For example Antigua. So they can still enter our country with the illness. This means that Dominica too must take its stand and place ban too.
Antigua has
you are the ignorant one fool.
What is Dominica doing. Also USA
Obama wants all the ebola people to come to the U.S., haven’t you heard? All open borders on the south. No restrictions have been put in place whatsoever.
Obama thinks there is no cause for alarm. Wait until a few more people who contract Ebola arrive in the US.
Furthermore, it is known that Obama’s father was from Kenya. He may not want the Africans to think he is discriminating against them. He is partial towards them.
This is a proactive move by our sister island St. Lucia. Dominica should take a cue from Castries. Serious consideration should be given to suspending the World Creole Music Festival this year.
not only serious consideration but it should be CANCELED. The stupid people that dont realize that if this comes here God forbid! that the same PM that say let the Africans come he will be in an isolated area he and his family while we that weak stupid Dominicans after we go jump jump in the fest end up with high fevers 6 to 10 days after PM will be isolated never to become infected. THINK PEOPLE THINK THINK….
Wow, clear indication skerrit hate Dominicans, Unbelievable the way this Govt treating Dominicans compared to St.Lucia & St.Vincent.
well that is very proactive by the st lucian government. They Know they are not prepared for Mighty Ebola so they taking the necessary precaution. This is a country that care about the well being of its citizens, I heard Grenada is doing the same too. So what is happening to Dominica? Oh you tell me, well Nigerian Students still continue to come with out proper screening Oh and dont forget Creole festival is going full steam ahead infact Dominica invites every living one to its shore never mind mighty ebola, we will talk and prepare for that after three nights of pulsating music comes to an end where people from every country will have a good time. (Saq qua Sort) When will my people learn Father God…When will they learn
Nigeria is ok. They lead the way in Ebola containment and prevention! Even the great USA has been forced to send a team to Nigeria to learn from them.
They will be cautious where they go while in Nigeria.
No time soon.
Good move, St. Lucia – banning travelers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Dominica needs to follow suit. We should also be proactive in seeking assistance and guidance from Nigeria, the recognized world leader in Ebola counter-measures. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/10/08/ebola-nigeria-lagos-africa/16865421/
No one would want to know they are responsible for allowing Ebola into our region. Please be supportive of our health officials as they make these difficult decisions for our protection.
Dr. Christian, I agree that we do not wish to have Ebola enter the region as we do not have adequate resources to handle an outbreak. But we have to take practical preventive measure rather than fear-based ones. I just saw that St. Vincent has announced “a ban on nationals from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Guinea entering the island” (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/St-Vincent-bans-nationals-from-three-West-African-States-due-to-Ebola-scare). Assuming the news has been accurately reported, it would appear (1) we cannot even distinguish between Liberia and Nigeria — I guess they sound the same, both end in “eria,” so that’s close enough; and (2) note that the ban is not on people travelling from these countries but on NATIONALS travelling from them, as if Ebola selectively chooses to infect nationals of these countries. And while you assert that Nigeria is “the recognized world leader in Ebola counter-measures,” please note that there have been multiple outbreaks of Ebola in central African countries (Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda) over the past 4 decades, including this year (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/15/ebola-outbreak-central-africa-contained), with these outbreaks effectively handled by these resource-poor countries with little fuss and panic.
that move is to protect st lucia intrest, and so it should be, Dominica labour party lack the balls to do the right thing.
I strongly endorse a ban on Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea and believe this is indicated for Dominica as well. We should also be proactive in seeking assistance and guidance from Nigeria, the recognized world leader in Ebola counter measures. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/10/08/ebola-nigeria-lagos-africa/16865421/
No one would want to know that they are responsible for allowing Ebola into our region. Please be supportive of our health officials as they make these difficult decisions for our protection.
This isn’t a difficult decision to make. Institute a ban until the threat is over. Then lift the ban.
If Dr. Anthony and like-minded Caribbean PM’s are consistent in this cosmetic attempt to give the impression that they are taking measures to protect their populations, then similar restrictions should be placed on visitors from the US (especially Texas), Spain, and likely additional European countries that we’ll soon hear about. Of course, we know this will not happen. The second health-care worker diagnosed with Ebola in Texas had flown on a commercial airline from Cleveland to Dallas even after she had a fever, which is an early symptom of Ebola infection (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/10/15/ebola-stricken-nurse-flew-on-a-passenger-plane-a-day-before-being-diagnosed/) — she could just have easily have flown to St. Lucia that day and would have been welcomed with open arms at Hewanorra as someone who did not come from Dr. Anthony’s list of West African countries. I would support measures that make sense, but I think that the ones announced by Dr. Anthony do not. The older I get the more I realize that actions taken on the basis of fear are almost always ill advised.
I guarantee you that there are more people in the U.S. currently with Ebola than is being reported. Ebola is a man-made virus from the Biowarfare laboratories. So was HIV. The current Ebola virus is attenuated, meaning it is not the full strength one, it is a weaker strain. . From the survivors, blood will be taken to formulate a serum vaccine that may be effective for the elite, not for the common people.
Very good move St.Lucia. I think Dominica should follow also.
The Prime Minister, Kenny Anthony,has advised the commissioner of Police,to implement with IMMEDIATE effect a prohibition on persons travelling from Guinea,Liberia and Sierra Leone to enter St.Lucia given the extent of the Ebola outbreak in those countries.
Sir,PM,Kenny Anthony one would agree there are some Dominicans that will call you a DICTATOR;and also question whether that was a cabinet decision.
PM,Skerrit of Dominica,took a decision by denying entry to an Artist from one of those African countries in light of the EBLOA OUTBREAK and they had so much things to say with his decision. He was branded a dictator.Looking to hear their comments regarding your bold decision.
Just trying to prove a point….
you are misleading in your statement in general dominicans do not have a problem with postponing the entry of the african group.my difficuty is dominicans had to make an uproar before the Govt. address the nation
STOP being a kounoumounou and face the facts!
PM Skerrit finally made a decision that was supported by most because he was forced to do so by the masses (UWP, DLP, FREEDOM, DIASPORA, PAPPYITES). The issue we have is that he allowed the heads of the ministry of health and DFC to makes ROYAL fools of themselves by ascertaining that Dominica was ready for Ebola only to squash eggs on their faces when the presshaa hit him. That is what we are pissed about!
PM’s Anthony and Gonsalves did not wait on their opposition leader and populace to “direct” them on what to do. They did what was right in the interest of their nation but Dominica was willing to sell the lives of it citizens and visitors to our shores for a few extra pennies (WCMF) to be gained by DLP cohorts (from support services, bars etc).
While I love and admire Dr. Christian, he seems to be the only healthcare professional that I know of who is incensed that the Nigeria band was removed from WCMF lineup because of his love for that country and the African continent. Dr. Christian must understand nostalgia cannot and should not replace commonsense when a population is at risk. Having said that, I once again applaud the PM for doing what was right by taking LLL and the populace’ advise. However, he may still have to do more to protect us as this epidemic call Hon. Ebola seems to know no boundries. So my friend you have proven NO POINT at all. Change Is A Must and that will be soon.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
@Shameless,you said it right! Change is A Must; Because the CHANGE you shall see soon,is a CHANGE in opposition….Come this election,UWP and TEAM DOMINICA fini….mark my words!
@Fast N Furious How are you so sure of what’s going to happen to UWP? What criminal plot has your master Skerrit planned to ensure that happens? History has shown what wanna be dictators do to ensure their dictatorship. We know about the money that flowing in buying votes of D/cans overseas buying tickets from them to come down.. What else is planned … spill the beans. That’s what all you want but will NEVER get . A one party state!
The usual idiotic comment that always looks for ways and means to twist facts. Who does not know Skerrit is a dictator? Even his cabinet ministers know that
Xcuse Me? Please try to look up the meaning of Dictator!
If Skerrit is a dictator as you claim,people like you and your like would not have the privilege of this site to be disrespecting him and the Government like you all do.
Why can’t Dominica do the same. But then again Tim said were prepared. Stupss
Kudos to St.Lucia…….Great move better safe than sorry.
Now that makes sense to me. Not stopping a band when hundred still coming in. Put some serious measures in place man… Stop being lazy and just sit back till something happen. Be proactive!!!
I applaud the St Lucian Prime Minister.
Dominica has a State of the art medical service, we are ready for any out break lol
Nice well done prime minister protect your country! Better safe than sorry
Best i move to St. Lucia. Wow
What about the US?
What can I say? Tim Tim said Dominica is ready to deal with it…..