Saint Lucia’s First Session of the Thirteenth Parliament commenced on Tuesday, December 16, with the House of Assembly officially convening.
This pivotal occasion marks the formal opening of a new parliamentary term, where essential legislative business will be conducted, and government policies will be vigorously debated.
During the proceedings, Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Assembly took their Oath of Allegiance or Affirmation, solidifying their roles as Members of Parliament (MPs).
Following this, both Houses convened in a joint session to receive a message from His Excellency, the Governor General, Sir Cyril Errol Charles.
The opening ceremony was attended by a packed hall of individuals, including dignitaries, a diplomatic contingent in Saint Lucia, government officials, influential figures from the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), and engaged citizens.
In his address, Governor General Sir Charles commended the citizenry for their commendable conduct during the December elections.
“It reflects our maturity and commitment to peace; even amid disagreements, we conduct our general elections without violence or disruption,” he stated.
He further recognized the contributions of the two major political parties-the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP)-as well as the election observers from CARICOM, the OAS, representatives of civil society, and the Christian Council, all of whom played crucial roles in ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election process.
Sir Charles affirmed, “The citizens expressed themselves clearly on December 1, 2025. Our democracy remains robust, providing a solid foundation for the development and sustainability of our nation.”
He emphasized that the government will enact legislation to implement a VAT-free day before Christmas this year.
In the upcoming parliamentary sessions, he asserted that the government will introduce legislation focused on citizen security and crime prevention, as well as renewable energy initiatives.
Additionally, Sir Charles announced the completion of St Jude Hospital, which will be handed over to the Ministry of Health for commissioning.
Regarding development in the tourism sector, he declared that the administration will advance the upgrade of Hewanorra International Airport to meet increased airlift demands.
In the social realm, he strongly stated the government’s commitment to building a Saint Lucian economy from the ground up, ensuring that no one is left behind in fostering stronger communities and a more cohesive society.
Live broadcasts of the proceedings ensured that the public had access to these important discussions.