St. Lucia PM shuts down country

St Lucia PM Kenny Anthony
St Lucia PM Kenny Anthony

ST. LUCIA – St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, in his address to the nation on  Monday, July 8, regarding the passage of Tropical Storm Chantal, has announced that all schools, airports and businesses will be closed today, Tuesday, July 9 until the “all clear” is given by the government.

Below is an excerpt from his statement that addresses the closures:

“Both George F. L. Charles and Hewanorra International airports will remain closed until the all clear has been given by the Office of the Prime Minister. Persons expecting to travel should contact their respective airlines to obtain the status of their flights and other details prior to coming to the Airports. If you are scheduled to pick-up a passenger, please contact your party to obtain the status of their flight.

“You are urged to tune in the local radio and television stations for regular updates. All schools will be closed Tuesday July 9, until Wednesday, unless advised otherwise. Business establishments will remain closed on Tuesday morning until the “all clear” signal is given. Likewise, government ministries and departments will be closed for business on Tuesday but staff should remain on standby in the event additional manpower is required.

“This should not be seen as an opportunity to go on an excursion or to go exploring. The purpose of this is to ensure that you remain safe at home, and that you are available to assist your neighbours and community, if necessary and if safety permits.”

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23 Comments

  1. star girl
    July 10, 2013

    the pm did a good job they said that its no reason for dominicians not to report to work and while leaving newtown it was a crisis roads were blocked mabe if d pm had made a public announcement like him n close down the country the people leaving in the country area wud have to fight their battle and take risks to go back to their villages the our da pm needs to hve more heart for hiss pple
    :?:

  2. Justice and Truth
    July 9, 2013

    The St. Lucia PM was wise to do so. I hope St. Lucians did not object to their PM shutting down the country. It is for their safety. If they treasure their safety, they would welcome it.
    The weather could be unpredictable and change course. This is what occurred to Barbados a few years ago. The hurricane was not meant to hit B/dos but it changed course and badly lashed that country. They were taken by surprise.
    When a storm/hurricane is imminent and governments instruct nationals to stay home, they should do so with no objections and questions. They should listen, take note and obey for their own good. They must utilize their common sense and good judgment, if they have any.

  3. diamond girl
    July 9, 2013

    well i up there all now and nothing happened.. storm pass by straight! no complaints! you know us dominicans already!

    one good thing eh, mr nassif should cut down on de price of his kfc in st. lucia. $5.25 for a small drumstick! lol

    • SLU
      July 10, 2013

      I would love to see an increase of prices in all fast-food outlets in SLU. It would further remove it from the hands of the common man and help to improve on their health.

      Its nothing to talk about, really.

  4. fil
    July 9, 2013

    Dominicans critizie the PM when he shut down the cpuntry last year look see St Lucia PM did the same to protect his people.

    • Justice and Truth
      July 10, 2013

      At a time as this, governments have a right to protect its nationals and to advise them to stay home if there is just cause. If the storm/hurricane bypass the country, may God be thanked. Precaution is better than cure.

  5. Lougaoo Mem
    July 9, 2013

    In our country, it is very hard to please everyone when the country so divided. Partisan politics is killing the nation.

    Case and point, just look at what happened today with the announcement by the National Security Minister when utilizing the media houses to broadcast life and death warnings during an emergency situation to the nation. Q-95 was deliberately ignored. Is that a responsible government for the people and by the people?

    Certainly, the government continues demonstrate a lack of responsibility in emergency situations, by excluding the most commonly listened radio station on the island to inform the people.

    • Justice and Truth
      July 10, 2013

      The problem is there are some people who complain too much and for nothing. Can one imagine that? They even complain when it is for their protection. It is not healthy to be a chronic complainer. It depicts hearts that are not loving, happy and peaceful. Who wants to listen to complainers?
      Address this to the government. He is the leader of the government and country. It may not be the PM who is responsible for this. Why not find out who is truly responsible?
      That is all we read about, complaints, complaints, complaints and more complaints which solve nothing. They knock everyone and everything. These people are not fair.
      Who wants to consistently read about the complaint of people who do nothing but complain, nothing for their country, for others and to rectify the situation in their environment? It does not even make for interesting and educating reading. It depicts what type of mentality they have. They do nothing but complain which produces no changes and fruitful results. There are ways of approaching these situations with diplomacy and respect and hope for a change. It is something some people need to learn and practice.

    • anonymous2
      July 10, 2013

      The problem in DA is that the people DON’T participate like they should in the government. They let whoever is in charge in the government dictate the program. Time for people to wake up and stop being lazy and then complain. United we stand, divided we fall. Take a lesson from history.

  6. I DIE NU
    July 9, 2013

    I wonder if this action was taken here in Dominica,what would be the reaction of THEM.Remember the last time the PM shut down the country for something of similar nature how THEY reacted?THEM anti-government attackers and destroyers.

  7. Top cop
    July 9, 2013

    Pm kudos for u since u are so concern about your people’s safety very wise move I hope the other caribbean countries follow in your foot steps long live

  8. July 9, 2013

    good job P M

  9. Doc. Love
    July 9, 2013

    It is very easy to know a real leader, an intelligent leader.

  10. Anonymous
    July 9, 2013

    So because the man on the street complain, this time the PM and NEPO decided not to do the right thing and close down the damn country until the storm passed? What nonsense is this?

    Better to over cautious every time.

  11. chantal
    July 9, 2013

    well st lucia shot down because st lucia in my path, why should dominica shot down when dominica not in my path… magwaysa, i have to jump martinique to reach dominica… am not passing dominica at all, may be my large skirt might raise some dust but that is it…I ADVISED SKERRIT TO KEEP DOMINICA OPEN FOR BUSINESS…OK

    • ;
      July 10, 2013

      okay chatal thanx 4 not giving us blows lol

  12. July 9, 2013

    Hello. Mr Anthony can’t shut down any private business rather he can request that the owners take proper percussion to safe guard their businesses.

  13. hmmhmm
    July 9, 2013

    The last time the pm shut down the country and the storm didnt come they call the pm illiterate n all kinda names. Now the same set asking him to stay home. Last year i was in st lucia when the storm was passing and the country was shut down. The storm didnt do damage and st lucians didnt complain about a lost day but dominicans did in a very rediculus and degrading way.

    • SLU
      July 9, 2013

      Some of us from ST. LUCIAN (SLU,) can be just as bitter. But generally in times of crisis we support each other, pull our resources and the interest of our wonderful island (SLU.)

      I have never visited Dominica but will (some day.)
      My uncle did work on your power grid a few years ago. He was part of Team sent to Dominica to help with the Upgrading of power-lines in remote areas in Dominica. He said it was quite an experience.

    • Well well
      July 9, 2013

      @hmmhmm
      It is obvious that many of these people have no idea what they want smh

    • Air Gas
      July 9, 2013

      i was so disappointed in the way matt and his (morning Anti chior)was singing out of tune,i wander how is Dominica going to go foward.
      Man that so sad.
      Darm if you Do.Darm if you don’t.Sooo.???

    • Justice and Truth
      July 9, 2013

      I recall reading about their criticisms and ojection. If he had not informed them to stay home and they went to work and school and the inevitable occurred causing them to be unable to return home, they would blame the PM. I do not think all Dominicans objected; only his non-supporters who can never see the good in him and the good that he does.
      Some people are always negative and look for the worst in others, even though the latter does not exist or they have not seen or experienced it. We are told, always look for the good in others. Sadly, too few do this and put ourselves in the other person’s position. The latter is the Golden Rule.

  14. star girl
    July 9, 2013

    now thats a nice pm plzzzzzzz :-D

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