As a prominent figure in Saint Lucia’s government, Richard Frederick, the Minister of Local Government and Housing, has consistently demonstrated a pattern of behaviour that is unbecoming of a public official. His actions and rhetoric have not only damaged his own reputation but have also tarnished the image of Saint Lucia as a whole.
For the past decade, Frederick has used his television talk show, “Can I Help You?”, as a platform to launch vicious attacks on private citizens, especially women, and his political opponents, particularly the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Allen Chastanet. This sustained abuse has had far-reaching consequences, including the erosion of trust in the media and the perpetuation of a repugnant culture of hate and division.
Frederick’s vitriolic rhetoric has painted him as a vindictive and bitter individual, who is more interested in character assassination and in scoring cheap political points than in serving the people of Saint Lucia. His repeated lies and reprehensible propaganda have led to numerous lawsuits, further undermining his credibility and integrity as a leader.
Furthermore, Frederick’s brash interference in the operations of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force is a grave abuse of power and a threat to the rule of law. He has publicly boasted on his television talk show of receiving damaging information on private citizens from the Police, which raises serious questions about the politicization of law enforcement. This is a clear violation of the principles of fairness, justice, and equality before the law.
What is equally disturbing is the silence of the Minister of National Security, who is also the Prime Minister, in the face of Frederick’s improper interference in the Police Force. The Prime Minister’s failure to take action or condemn Frederick’s actions can be interpreted as an endorsement of his behaviour and suggests that the government is complicit in the politicization of law enforcement.
But perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Frederick’s behaviour is his hypocritical stance on race. On the one hand, he is flagrantly stoking racial discrimination and perpetuating hate against individuals of fair complexion. On the other hand, he has been known to grovel before white Americans in an attempt to regain his revoked, personal US visa, while proudly boasting about his children’s education and employment in the US.
In a country like Saint Lucia, where the scourge of racism and colonialism has left deep scars, Frederick’s racist rhetoric is particularly deleterious. The island’s history is marked by the brutal exploitation of African slaves and the displacement of indigenous peoples. This legacy has left a lingering sense of inferiority and division among the population.
Saint Lucia is a vibrant melting pot of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and races, where people from different backgrounds have come together to build a nation. This diversity should be celebrated and cherished, not vilified and exploited for political gain. Instead of stoking racial division, Frederick should be promoting unity and inclusivity. He should be working to heal the wounds of the past and build a brighter future for all Saint Lucians, regardless of their race, creed, or colour. By perpetuating racism and hate, Frederick is not only harming his political opponents but also undermining the very foundations of Saint Lucia’s democracy.
One of the most significant consequences of Frederick’s toxic behaviour is the degradation of Saint Lucia’s political landscape. He is one of the main reasons why politics has become so dirty and divisive in Saint Lucia, where personal attacks and lies have become the norm. His constant provocations and inflammatory rhetoric have created a poisonous atmosphere, where civil discourse and constructive debate are near impossible.
Saint Lucians must demand better than a leader who embodies such a toxic mix of hatred, hypocrisy, and dishonesty. Richard Frederick’s continued presence in public office is a stain on the good name of Fair Helen, and his influence is a poison that must be eradicated if Saint Lucia is to move forward.