It was last month (March 23) that a state of emergency was first declared in Saint Lucia as a result of the occurrence of COVID-19. This week both the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament met to approve an extension to that situation to May 31.
But what really is a state of emergency, how can it be achieved, and what does it entail?
The island’s Constitution gives the authority for the creation of a state of emergency. Such authority can be found in Section 17 of the Constitution. Sections 14 and 15 should also be read.
Governor General Sir Emmanuel Neville Cenac, acting under Statutory Instrument No. 39 of 2020 was the one who declared into existence a state of emergency in Saint Lucia.
He signed that proclamation on March 23, 2020. As noted, the Constitution gives him the authority to do.
The Governor-General, in signing the proclamation, said he was satisfied that a public emergency had arisen as a result of the occurrence of 2019-n CoV, commonly known as COVID-19.
A public discussion erupted as to whether the correct procedures were followed in declaring a state of emergency in the country, with calls for the attorney general to explain to the public what a state of emergency is all about.
Parliament was convened soon after to address the situation. An Order was introduced in Parliament by Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and cited as the Emergency Powers (Disasters) (COVID-19) (Curfew) (No. 3) Order.
The prime minister made the Order in exercise of the power conveyed under section 3 of the Emergency Powers (Disasters) Act, Cap.14.07.
All this was introduced in Parliament as Statutory Instrument (SI) No.46 of 2020. This SI gave the prime minister sweeping powers to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as putting in place a curfew, determining which businesses remain open or stay closed, restricting the movement of goods, services, labour, the movement of people and how far a person can stay from another person, etc., etc.
Both Houses of Parliament met this week to extend the current state of emergency. The resolution presented approving the declaration of the state of emergency reads in part:
“Be it resolved that Parliament extends for an additional period commencing from the 27th day of April, 2020 and ending on the 31st day of May, 2020, in accordance with section 17(6) of the Constitution of Saint Lucia, Cap. 1.01, the Constitution of Saint Lucia – Resolution of Parliament Approving Declaration of State of Emergency passed as Statutory Instrument, No. 40 of 2020 that approved the state of emergency that was published in the Gazette on the 23rd day of March, 2020 as Statutory Instrument, No. 39 of 2020 containing a declaration that a public emergency has arisen as a result of the occurrence of 2019-n CoV, an infectious disease commonly known as COVID -19 for a further period of 26 days commencing from the 31st day of March, 2020 and ending on the 26th day of April, 2020.”
According to the Gazetted report of March 23rd. containing the declaration of a public
emergency report, due to that Covid -19 (a dangerous infectious disease) a period of
26 days from March 31st to April 26, 2020 is given, by which strict guidelines are imposed
on public activity. This must not be taken lightly – as much as some have felt the full weight
of this discomfort, it must be stressed beyond doubt that, like a bitter pill, it is good for you.
Most of us will face financial and other health challenges, anxieties, material shortages etc
which reminds me of the World War ii years, and I was about 10 to 12 years of age, we did
suffer greatly and two ships were Torpedoed in our Harbour, fear gripped us but we survived.
I must confess that it is only by the grace of the Almighty I do not fear.I pray for all and most
of all the brave medical staff who are on the front line in that battle: God bless them mightily.