The role of a Housing Minister is crucial in shaping a nation’s housing policy and ensuring that citizens have access to safe, affordable, and quality shelter. In St. Lucia, however, the tenure of Housing Minister Richard Frederick has been marred by a litany of controversies, accusations of corruption and callousness. His lofty promises and dismal failures raise serious concerns about his leadership and the performance of the National Housing Corporation (NHC). His actions reflect a troubling pattern of apparent political victimization that undermines his capability to serve the public effectively.
Frederick’s term began with bold promises, notably his stated intention to construct affordable condos in Cul De Sac. In October 2021, the Government of St. Lucia announced the commencement of the $10 million National Housing Assistance Program funded by the Republic of China (Taiwan), three years has passed and the plans remain unfulfilled. The promised condominiums have not materialized, while his proud display of three rudimentary “huts” in Dennery bereft of essential facilities like toilets, bathrooms, and kitchens have become his signature housing project. This situation raises a disconcerting question: is this the minister’s vision of affordable housing for the people of this country?
The city of Castries is now saturated with plywood structures, a desperate and misguided approach that does little to address the housing crisis. The establishment of a plywood vendors facility near the old government printery touted as a significant initiative; has instead become a symbol of failure, drawing harsh criticism from its occupants. Vendors report being crammed into the space, experiencing significant business declines, and facing prohibitive rental costs. Rather than providing a viable solution, this initiative has compounded the challenges for the embattled vendors who the Minister promised to protect, in an already struggling economy.
Frederick’s term has also been plagued by allegations of corruption, with one of the most troubling incidents surrounding the controversial sale of Bananes Land. Here, state-owned land was allegedly sold at a grossly undervalued price. The subsequent directive for the NHC to purchase a building from the organization’s lawyer with the proceeds from the sale of the Bananes Land exemplifies a blatant conflict of interest, unleashing a wave of accusations of corruption that tarnish not only Frederick’s reputation but also that of the entire government.
Upon assuming office, Frederick made the decision to suspend two major housing initiatives initiated by the previous United Workers Party (UWP) administration: the Talvern and Choc Housing Projects. He asserted that these projects did not possess the necessary approvals from the Development Control Authority (DCA); however, evidence emerged within hours to contradict this claim. This decision initially deprived over 400 residents of Saint Lucia of the opportunity for homeownership, resulting in significant frustration and discontent within the community. By obstructing development rather than fostering progress, Frederick’s actions have diminished the prospects for many families. Furthermore, his recent choice to resume one of the projects with the same contractor he previously accused of collusion with the former Minister of Housing and of executing a project without the required approvals has severely undermined his credibility. Additionally, it is important to note that the cost of the homes has increased significantly due to rising material and labor costs during the three years that the project was halted since his taking office,
Perhaps the most distressing incident under Frederick’s watch is the eviction of a grieving widow from her CDC apartment shortly after the death of her husband. This incident has sparked outrage across Saint Lucia, highlighting a lack of empathy and an abuse of power during a time of immense personal tragedy. Reports of padlocking her home while she was still inside raised grave ethical concerns about the NHC’s procedures and Frederick’s leadership style.
Housing Minister Richard Frederick’s tenure is characterized by a troubling combination of empty promises, controversial dealings, and blatant insensitivity. His actions reflect a modus operandi rooted in political victimization and corruption, making his position untenable. The time has come for Prime Minister Pierre to take decisive action and remove Frederick from the Cabinet of Ministers. Until such action is taken, the dream of secure, affordable housing for all Saint Lucians will remain just that—a dream.