Eastern Caribbean Court Upholds Saint Vincent & The Grenadines Covid Vaccine Mandate

SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES – The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has sided with St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ government, upholding the 2021 COVID-19 vaccine mandate for public servants and overturning a 2023 decision that declared it unconstitutional.

In a 2-1 ruling, Justice of Appeal Eddy Ventose penned the majority opinion, while Justice Wallbank dissented.

Following the decision, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves urged public servants to return to work. “Anyone who hasn’t returned can simply notify the chief personnel officer,” he said, emphasizing unity and the opportunity to resume their roles with benefits intact.

Gonsalves described the ruling as “An opportunity for dialogue and healing,” noting that most public servants had already complied with the mandate.