In a significant development within St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ public sector, Public Service Union (PSU) President Elroy Boucher has formally demanded the compulsory retirement of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache. The call stems from her central role in implementing the controversial COVID-19 vaccine mandate that resulted in widespread dismissals of public workers.
During a Monday press briefing in Kingstown, Boucher articulated the union’s complete lack of confidence in the nation’s top medical advisor, holding her partially responsible for what he described as “immense suffering” inflicted upon hundreds of families. The mandate, enacted under the previous Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration, required public sector employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations or face termination.
The political landscape has shifted dramatically since the November 27 elections, with the New Democratic Party (NDP) assuming power and implementing a reversal policy that allows affected workers to return to their positions without reapplying. This stands in stark contrast to the previous government’s approach, which required formal reapplication processes that many workers found objectionable.
Boucher emphasized that the vaccine policy disproportionately impacted lower-income workers, including municipal employees and school janitors, demonstrating what he characterized as “total disregard for bodily autonomy and fundamental rights.” He noted that former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves frequently justified the mandate by citing the CMO’s recommendations, thereby cementing her responsibility in the implementation of what unions deemed draconian measures.
The legal journey of this contentious policy has witnessed dramatic turns. Initially, the High Court ruled in March 2023 that the government’s actions were unconstitutional. However, this decision was overturned by a 2-1 majority in the Court of Appeal in February 2025. The matter now awaits final determination by the Privy Council in London, the nation’s highest court of appeal.
While reinstatement efforts are underway, Boucher acknowledged that the process requires time as the Public Service Commission holds exclusive authority over public servant appointments. He expressed appreciation for the new administration’s commitment to restoring all affected workers with full benefits and positions equivalent to those they previously held.
The vaccine mandate proved politically consequential, contributing significantly to the ULP’s electoral defeat where they retained only one parliamentary seat. Boucher concluded that the public had effectively rejected the architects of the controversial policy through democratic means.