Saint Lucians living and working in parts of the Middle East are witnessing scenes many never imagined they would experience firsthand, as armed conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran escalates.
Nationals currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Cyprus have reached out to St. Lucia Times, sharing images and videos showing smoke trails from intercepted missiles and reporting loud explosions in the night sky. In one case, a Saint Lucian swimmer said she and her team were evacuated from the UAE as a precaution amid rising tensions.
As the conflict appears to be extending across neighbouring territories where Saint Lucians are present, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre on Monday expressed what he described as “extreme concern” over the safety of nationals abroad.
Speaking at Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, Pierre said the government is actively monitoring developments.
“Anything we can do to assist them, within our capabilities, we will do. The Ministry of External Affairs has been asked to reach out to them. We hope that they can be safe,” the Prime Minister said.
With US officials declaring that it will “take time” to achieve the objectives of the military action, concerns remain about how long tensions could persist.
Pierre acknowledged that Saint Lucians overseas may be facing uncertainty through no fault of their own.
“That’s the sad part about it,” he said. “The Government is very concerned about our students, our workers and our people in the army.”
Shifting his focus to matters at home, the Prime Minister urged Saint Lucians to take greater responsibility in addressing national challenges, particularly during a time of global instability.
He implored citizens to “change our attitudes” toward issues affecting the country and to play a more active role in safeguarding Saint Lucia’s social and economic stability. While external conflicts may be beyond the island’s control, Pierre suggested that how Saint Lucians respond internally is firmly within their power.
This is a serious matter I do hope we are keeping a strong eye on the wars abroad