Unions heading to Privy Council with Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate case

Unions in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) who were dealt a heavy blow when the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal upheld the government’s appeal in the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Case, have confirmed that they will be appealing the decision at the Privy Council.

On February 12, 2025, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, in a majority 2:1 decision, upheld the Government’s appeal, squashing the March, 2023 ruling by then High Court Judge, Esco Henry in favour of dismissed public servants who refused to take the Covid vaccine.

At a joint press conference on Monday, February, 24,2025 the Public Service Union (PSU); SVG Teachers Union (SVGTU); and, although not physically present, the Police Welfare Association, indicated their intent to take the ruling to SVG’s highest court of appeal.

“This matter must also be taken to the highest court…it cannot be left the way it is. The importance of taking this to the Privy Council is not just for the dismissed workers, it is important for the country, for this current and future governments, for Caribbean governments.”

Noting that the government of SVG was the only one in the region that “went down this path”, the PSU President, Elroy Boucher, referenced a quote from the dissenting Appeal’s Court Judge, Justice Gerhard Wallbank, who described the mandate as both “severe” and “draconian”.

“I could not have put it any better than…the dissenting judge.”

“The termination measure was draconian, severe or drastic or whatever similar description might be applied. It deprived employees of their benefits…socially marginalized them and traumatized them.”