The Saint Lucia Christian Council has come out in favour of vaccines to fight the coronavirus saying that it supports the current vaccine drives taking place across the country. Here is the full statement of the Council:
General Elections have taken place and the electorate has spoken. Let us put aside the euphoria of the election campaign and replace it with an atmosphere of sobriety where we can work together to continue the work of nation building.
At this time Saint Lucia, the rest of the Caribbean region and the world are facing one of the worst health crises at least in recent history, in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has had a serious impact on the economic health of our country and the physical, social and emotional health of our people. It has disrupted our children’s education, our religious and social activities. Moreover it has put a severe strain on our health services.
The fight against this pandemic is not served by name calling and finger pointing, but rather by the unified effort of all citizens to comply with the measures put in place by the authorities to combat this disease.
The Saint Lucia Christian Council:
1. Calls on all citizens to practice the established protocols of mask wearing, hand sanitizing and social distancing, proven methods which help to control the spread of this disease
2. Supports the vaccination drive. Vaccination is not new to St Lucia. For example, our children have to take particular vaccines in order to enter the education system. These vaccines have saved the lives of many. The Council strongly urges the congregations of its member churches as well as all citizens to become vaccinated. This is not only an act of self-preservation but also an act of sacrifice and love to protect the most vulnerable among us.
3. Urges all citizens adhere to the curfews. Limiting social activities by the institution of curfews and lock-downs, is proven to control the spread of the disease, while at the same time allowing authorities time to conduct contact tracing. The sacrifice and the self-discipline which you exercise will help save lives so that we can attend social gatherings without restriction in the future.
4. Calls on all to be their “brother’s keeper” by drawing the attention of authorities to persons who are shut-in or on the periphery of society, who are not able to access vaccinations on their own.
5. The council urges its member churches to offer their church compounds and institutions as vaccination sites and so enable the authorities to reach as many citizens as possible.
The Christian Council commits to sacrifice, prayer and reflection among the congregations of its member churches as we work together to fight COVID-19. This is not only about the individual but more importantly about the Common Good. May God continue to guide our leaders and protect our nation.
Signed,
…………………………………
Raymonde Joseph (Miss)
Executive Secretary