Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre recently returned to Saint Lucia after a productive visit to New York, where he discussed with members of the diaspora about several critical issues. During a pre-Cabinet press briefing yesterday he emphasised that the visit was not political but rather an opportunity to address rumours and highlight the country’s development.
“The event was well attended, with the room packed to capacity. We had some good questions and the diaspora seems pleased with what’s happening in our country,” Pierre told reporters. He discussed various issues, including increases in pensions, the minimum wage, work at St. Jude Hospital, and infrastructural developments with them.
He said that many attendees were unaware that Saint Lucian passports and CIP passports are processed in the same place, highlighting the amount of misinformation circulating. “It was very interesting and I was very pleased with that discussion,” he added.
External Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste and Health Minister Moses Jn Baptiste also attended the meeting in Brooklyn. The Health Minister acknowledged that many Saint Lucians come to the United States seeking better opportunities for themselves and their children, saying that while experiences vary, many have succeeded. He connected with the diaspora by saying that his own family lives in the U.S.
The Health Minister highlighted the government’s goals and achievements, including universal health coverage, improvements at St. Jude Hospital, and increased healthcare financing. He mentioned that pregnant women in Saint Lucia can now access free blood tests and ultrasounds, and the government is enhancing diagnostic services for cervical cancer to eliminate it. Free prostate cancer screening will also be introduced soon.
External Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste praised Prime Minister Pierre’s leadership, stating that he has elevated Saint Lucia to an enviable position within the OECS.
Prime Minister Pierre reminded attendees of the importance of fact-checking, especially in an era where misinformation spreads easily. He announced plans to introduce a Diaspora Bill in parliament, which will improve incentives for Saint Lucians living abroad, including duty-free importation of personal effects after ten years of living overseas. He also mentioned the introduction of second-generation citizenship, allowing grandchildren of Saint Lucians to become automatic citizens.
He expressed gratitude for the diaspora’s contributions and encouraged them to continue supporting Saint Lucia, with the hope that they might one day return to live in their homeland.
In the meantime, the government is committed to improving the lives of Saint Lucians living overseas, the prime minister said.