Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre seeks to ensure no government entity, public official, or public officer deviates from the guiding principles rooted in Saint Lucia’s long-established laws governing the management and handling of state resources.
In 2020, the Government of Saint Lucia secured approximately XCD 54 million in loan financing from the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to fund the St. Jude Hospital Reconstruction Project.
A directive was issued by a senior public official to have the loan monies transmitted directly to a bank account controlled by a private entity as payment for work on the (SJHRP).
There is no evidence to indicate these monies were deposited into the Consolidated Fund as is legally mandated by the Finance (Administration) Act of Saint Lucia.
The government’s ability to appropriately account for the funds and control its disbursement, as a consequence of this abnormal arrangement, was significantly impeded.
The Government of Saint Lucia and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have together nourished an enduring diplomatic relationship built on common democratic values, mutual trust and shared interests in advancing the development of both our peoples.
Upon assuming Office in 2021, Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre embraced the opportunity to continue building on Saint Lucia’s friendship with Taiwan in the interest of the people and the Government of Saint Lucia.
As stated on September 15, 2023, the Prime Minister is pursuing all relevant documentation and information associated with this transaction and looks forward to continuing cooperation with Taiwan in all areas of mutual interest.
SOURCE: Office of the Prime Minister
And here I was believing he was only concerned with “protecting the victory!”
PM makes sense here. Accountability and transparency is a diplomatic transaction. I hope that whoever “misguided” the funds is caught and made to pay the consquences. You see, for every action, there is a consequence; good or bad. At least he is on the ball in that regard, for which I applaud his actions – and for making the public be aware. We are too small a country for that kind of “bobol” to take place.
PM Pierre, are you saying that Taiwan has breeched our laws? What risks are you putting the country in with this accusation, especially as we continue to see OECC working on the roads in the north.
That is his philosophy, I mean this ideology, no sorry his philosophy.
@nudge, my thoughts exactly. Worst prime minister ever!!!!!! It hurts to know that I assisted in putting this man in office.
If you cannot protect our patrimony under Richard Fredrick how can you protect our resources.
Who cares? Let the past p.m. and his cohorts enjoy their goodies. In fact some women from the yellow party have their bread even more buttered now under this administration. They give people who they think support the red party hell at work, yet Ministers from this government show up to praise them. All I can tell you my people is do not get involved. A wise man once told me they all belong to the same dark society, so do not be fooled. I cannot say I regret my vote because I didn’t cast it for any of them.
Didn’t protect Bananes Bay land did you. Could have been a beautiful waterfront park for children, jetties for Castries residents and fishermen but is now a sand offloading area perhaps just maybe for a campaign financer.
If a liar and a corrupt person is what you supporting, then you are equally corrupt and a liar similar to him.