In February 2022, the SLHTA urged the Government to urgently review several COVID-19 protocols that it felt were hindering the local tourism industry’s quick recovery from the deadly effects of COVID-19. Those protocols, the SLHTA had indicated, made Saint Lucia un-competitive compared to other regional destinations that were already relaxing their COVID-19 protocols, especially for travellers.
On the heels of highly engaging discussions between the SLHTA and Government Officials, Noorani Azeez, Chief Executive Officer of SLHTA, noted that the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs made the right decision to pursue a steady relaxation of the COVID-19 protocols. “The relaxation of these protocols is in keeping with global best practices,” he said. “It has allowed more workers to participate in economic activity and has also thrown a lifeline to small and medium enterprises, many of which are still struggling after the lock-down in 2020.” Azeez added that for many people, it’s an opportunity to begin servicing their loans and debts to various financial institutions and reinstated a sense of well-being and confidence for them to be able to provide for their families.
President of the SLHTA, Mr Paul Collymore who has also been at the forefront of negotia-tions over the past few months opined that “Policy makers have always paid attention to our data, made themselves readily available to hear and discuss our concerns and share their views on our various models for improvement. Our industry continues to benefit from such high-quality debates with authorities.”
Emerging from recent strong winter arrivals for many operators, the SLHTA has also sig-nalled its support for events and activities that will boost arrivals over the coming summer, a traditionally low arrival period. In a recent communique to authorities, the organization noted that “The decision to proceed with Carnival 2022 has had a powerful, positive impact on our industry. Numerous operators are reporting bookings directly attributable to Carnival celebrations while other micro-businesses are preparing for much needed cash injections. This economic activity will no doubt improve tax remittances, generate employment and help stabilize business activity in the agricultural, retail, and manufacturing sectors. This economic activity will also boost investor confidence, signalling our commitment to increase accommodation stock and diversify tourism services.”
The SLHTA continues to pledge its support to working with the Government in the interest of its members, noting that cruise and yachting sectors are yet to rebound as effectively as their stay-over counterparts.
These two Dudes with their happy faces appear to have something to glory about, its no secret both have something in the works, and looking forward for big handouts by both big business and government. To them and their bosses, organizers and affiliates, its big easy Bucks; the hardest work, smile, look good and clean, appear on T.V. other Media, talk well and keep smiling then you got it made. Can a Country depend on this strategy year in and year out hoping for a positive shift in todays’ economy? St. Lucia must think for itself and not to look to other Countries hosting the same festivals on shaky economies. I think we should either cancel Carnival or just have a simple lowkey festival at beaches the Football fields and so non. I often wonder, is that all necessary today, why is this taking precedence over our historical Spiritual festivities? future generations will judge the present and look back, hoping not in anger for we are a Blessed Nation.