H E Declares: “We must unite to build a nation that we can be proud of.”
In delivering the conventional Throne Speech ahead of Tuesday’s Parliamentary Debate on the Policy Statement, His Excellency Felix Finisterre, Deputy to the Governor General of Saint Lucia, asserted that the government is committed to a proactive approach in tackling the significant and pressing challenges facing the state.
He emphasized that the government is confronting unprecedented challenges that demand a fundamental rethinking of the country’s management strategies as a Small Island Developing State.
Deputy Governor General Finisterre highlighted the alarming level of “political and economic uncertainty” that affects the lives and livelihoods of Saint Lucian citizens.
“The values of cooperation, dialogue, and compromise are no longer central to diplomacy,” he stated.
He recalled a time when diplomacy fostered human development and peaceful coexistence.
“Regrettably,” he added, “diplomacy now rests solely on power, rendering countries like ours collateral damage in the conflicts of more powerful nations.”
Despite these challenges, Deputy GG Finisterre reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating and engaging in dialogue with like-minded nations. He acknowledged the importance of forging stronger ties with our traditional allies and other partners who share our values in this evolving global landscape.
“In these challenging times, we must take full responsibility for our nation’s development. Together, we will build a nation that we can all take pride in,” he stated emphatically.
Furthermore, HE Finisterre affirmed, “Our people are our greatest resource, and the government’s policies and dedication to nationhood extend beyond mere rhetoric.”
He expressed confidence that Saint Lucia “can excel on the global stage. Human talent knows no borders.”
He reinforced this belief, citing the significant contributions of the country’s citizens in academia, music, and sports. Deputy GG Finisterre called for an education system that equips our students to thrive in a technologically driven world, ensuring that every child is supported according to their unique gifts and talents.
“No child should be left behind,” he asserted. He underscored the necessity of building an education system founded on values that promote respect for the rights of others and for the country’s natural and physical environment.
Additionally, he affirmed that the government will pursue a transformative legislative agenda and implement policy initiatives that lead to progressive changes in the social and economic lives of the people of Saint Lucia.