Newly re-elected Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre was sworn in yesterday before a crowd laden with big names on the local and regional political scene.
Prime Minister Pierre took his oath of office against the backdrop of an electoral trouncing handed to the United Workers Party {UWP} at the December 1st General Election, leaving the UWP with one solitary seat, that of Political Leader Allen Chastanet in Micoud South. It was the second consecutive election that the SLP dealt a resounding blow to the UWP – the 2021 election leaving the UWP with only 2 seats. Chastanet contested the seat against political newcomer Shanda Harracksingh who added to the SLP numbers, which were ultimately insufficient to unseat the incumbent.
The Prime Minister’s return to office signaled renewed confidence placed in him by the electorate, highlighted by an additional parliamentary seat and increased numbers at the polls.
Among the regional dignitaries present to witness the occasion was Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and recently ousted St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Also among the dignitaries were Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Brown , Prime Minister of Grenada Dickson Mitchel. Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, and St Kits /Nevis Prime Minister Terrence Drew.
The assignment of cabinet portfolios and the swearing in of government ministers is expected to take place in the coming week although no announcement has yet been made in this regard. It is widely expected that both of the ministerial portfolios will remain the same with a few minor adjustments.
Ahead of the swearing in ceremony, Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre received congratulatory notes from the OECS Commission and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mortley, among others.