Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has responded to what he perceives as attempts by the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) to tarnish Saint Lucia’s global reputation and standing. He emphasized that such efforts could harm the country’s image but assured that his administration remains committed to its responsibilities.
The Prime Minister expressed concern about the continuous spread of “misinformation and mistruths” by the opposition. He highlighted the availability of official channels and sources to verify details related to infrastructure and socio-economic projects undertaken in Saint Lucia.
Regarding recent allegations, an online post claimed that the Prime Minister and two other ministers violated regulations related to Saint Lucia’s Citizen by Investment Program (CIP) and were taken out of the country by external forces. PM Pierre addressed this, emphasizing that while discussing elections is acceptable, deliberately damaging the country for political gain is dangerous.
He acknowledged the importance of constructive criticism and noted that even cabinet members sometimes disagree during discussions. Criticizing the UWP, which was founded by Sir John Compton, PM Pierre warned against intentionally tarnishing the country’s name.
Regarding the CIP, he defended it as a means of economic empowerment for Saint Lucians. He asked whether people would oppose building roads without increasing the national debt.
PM Pierre expressed concern about the low level of political discourse in the country and urged citizens to reject misinformation. He criticized the opposition for spreading mistruths and suggested that the mainstream media should not encourage such behaviour.
In a positive light, last month, Saint Lucia hosted around 200 military and para-military officers as part of the Regional Security System’s UNEX operations. The Prime Minister highlighted the absence of significant social upheavals or economic scandals over the past year.
Despite criticism, PM Pierre reaffirmed his commitment to focusing on road infrastructure development and housing initiatives to move the country forward. Hotel occupancy, guest house accommodations, and other businesses are thriving, indicating economic activity during the first three months of the year.
“The United Workers Party gives the impression that Saint Lucia is in mayhem …that people can’t walk the streets, and all sorts of foolishness,” Pierre stressed, “just because they want to burn the house to kill a rat.”
Contrarily, the prime minister noted, the country has never experienced that level of economic activity “in the first three months of the year, for a long time.”
He noted that hotel occupancy and guest house accommodations on the island are at an all-time high, and as well, car rentals and other business endeavours are thriving.
Despite the barrage of criticisms, PM Pierre asserted: “We are going to remain focused, the (opposition’s) idea is to take us off focus but we are going to stay focused in moving the country forward, focused on our road infrastructural development, and focused on our housing development.”