Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says: “Our ancestors would be proud if we can build a society that is free from the type of violence that was inflicted on them by their slave-masters for almost four hundred years.”
Addressing the launch of Emancipation Month in Soufriere on August 1, the PM said: “Slave society in the Caribbean — and even in the immediate post-emancipation period — was a violent society; and that is why, when we engage in the violent acts like the senseless murders and gun violence, domestic violence and child abuse, we are failing in our duty to our ancestors.”
He also said our ancestors “cannot be proud of what our societies have become in this regard, so I urge all St Lucians to come together to build a kinder, more caring society.”
The PM called upon upon “our young men, in particular, to emancipate yourselves from the slavery of criminal gang activity, which is a fast-track to nowhere…
“Let us, therefore, take concrete steps to support one-another by volunteering in our communities, mentoring young people and assisting in programs which empower the youth, women and persons with disabilities.”
He further urged Saint Lucians: “Let us strive to build a stronger and more inclusive society” and “to engage in more acts of friendship and community building, to foster an environment of peace, shared prosperity and togetherness.”
“Let us reject political divisiveness and acrimony,” he urged, adding: “There are opportunists amongst us promoting hatred and revenge, who will join hands and plot with anyone who plans to destroy our country.”
“They expect us to destroy ourselves and our country in senseless political tribalism for their own benefit”, he said, “but instead, we’ll choose civil discourse, tolerance and peaceful neighborly relations.”
He said, “We must always remember that our strength lies in our unity and our commitment to one another.”
“And that is why,” he concluded, “in our quest for a just society, we have embarked on the building of the new Halls of Justice so that justice can no longer be delayed and therefore be denied.”