Castries, Saint Lucia – The Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre and the Cabinet of Ministers have approved the extension for shopping hours during the 2022 Christmas Season.

The country’s citizens are quite busy with preparations and festivities during the week leading up to Christmas. Anything can be needed at any time. In light of this, the government of Saint Lucia decided to extend the service hours of stores and shopping malls to allow consumers to purchase goods whenever they want before midnight.

The updated timing of stores and shopping malls are as follows-

• Monday 19th to Saturday 24th December 2022 until 9:00 PM.
• Tuesday, 27th to Saturday, 31st December 2022, until 9:00 PM.

MALLS ONLY

• Monday 19th to Saturday 24th December 2022 until 11:00 PM.
• Tuesday, 27th to Saturday, 31st December 2022, until 12:00 AM.

In the constituencies of Rodney Bay and the Town of Gros Islet, Prime Minister Pierre also gave his approval to the extension of the closing times for public and social events from 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM.

Other locations can also extend their closing hours according to their will as it was approved by competent authority to accommodate celebrations during the festive season from Saturday, 24th December 2022, to Tuesday, 3rd January 2023.

The Cabinet Ministers also prayed that everyone had a happy and safe holiday season and expected God would bless their island and everyone who lives there.

Currently, every region of the nation is hosting several events and festivals. The Saint Lucian government works closely with the populace to create a memorable and happy Christmas.

The government has also made numerous efforts to ensure the security of these events. Prime Minister Pierre has now extended the hours of operation of shopping centres and lengthened the timing of public events to allow people to participate in the festival. This is yet another move to ensure that this Christmas is peaceful and joyous for everyone.