Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

Workmen's Compensation (Accidents) Convention, 1925 (No. 17) - Saint Lucia (Ratification: 1980)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous observation, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the adoption of the National Insurance Corporation Act, No. 18 of 2000, which repeals the National Insurance Act of 1978. It notes that the regulations applying the latter Act remain in force (National Insurance Regulation No. 37 of 1984). However, the Government indicates in this respect in its report that the Corporation is in the process of drafting new regulations. The Committee hopes that the Government will not fail to take advantage of this occasion to adopt the necessary measures to bring the national legislation into conformity with the following provisions of the Convention.

Article 7 of the Convention. The Committee notes that, contrary to this provision of the Convention, neither the National Insurance Corporation Act of 2000 nor the 1984 Regulations referred to above contain provisions guaranteeing additional compensation for injured workers whose incapacities are of such a nature that they must have the constant help of another person.

Articles 9 and 10. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government confirms that medical benefits, which include medical, surgical and pharmaceutical aid, as well as the provision of surgical appliances, remain subject to a maximum amount. It adds that the legislation does not provide for additional funding to renew or purchase artificial limbs. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to re-examine this matter and requests it to indicate the measures adopted with a view to the provision to injured workers, in accordance with Articles 9 and 10 of the Convention, of medical, surgical and pharmaceutical aid, including the supply and renewal of artificial limbs and surgical appliances as are recognized to be necessary, without the application of any ceiling to the amount of this aid.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.