CASTRIES, St Lucia — IRD denies sick out claims in a formal statement issued this week, saying recent Inland Revenue office closures in Castries were not the result of industrial action but were instead linked to air quality concerns that required temporary shutdowns for health and safety reasons.
In a press release dated Jan. 28, the Inland Revenue Department said reports circulating about an alleged sick-out affecting operations were inaccurate. The IRD stated that the temporary closures were implemented solely to facilitate deep cleaning and sanitation exercises after air quality issues were identified within specific office areas.
According to the department, the measures were taken in the interest of safeguarding the health and safety of staff and members of the public and were not connected to any industrial action, labor dispute, or coordinated staff absence.
The Inland Revenue Department reiterated details previously outlined in its public notice issued on Jan. 26. The first floor of the Heraldine Rock Building remains closed until further notice. The third floor of the same building was closed from Jan. 26 to Jan. 30 to allow for deep cleaning, with normal operations expected to resume on Monday, Feb. 2. The third floor of the ECFH Building on Bridge Street also remains closed until further notice.
Addressing the speculation directly, the Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department stated that there is no sick-out or industrial action taking place within the department, adding that suggestions to the contrary are unfounded and misleading.
The department said it continues to provide services through alternative locations and online platforms. Taxpayers have been encouraged to utilize electronic filing services or visit IRD offices in Vieux Fort or Soufriere while the affected Castries locations remain partially closed.
The IRD also urged the public and media practitioners to rely on official departmental communications regarding service disruptions and operational updates. The department apologized for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closures and thanked the public and business community for their understanding as it undertakes measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
The situation remains under review, and further updates are expected as conditions allow.
