Gros Islet MP and Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir has dismissed questions surrounding his purchase of a 10 946-square-foot parcel of land in Massade, Gros Islet, insisting that the acquisition was legitimate and above board.
At Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, the minister addressed a social media post that included an image of a Deed of Sale made out to him dated April 19, 2024, for the property costing $273 650. The post questioned the transparency of the transaction.
The minister described the post as a “personal attack” on himself and his family.
“I just want to set the record straight that in my position, at my age, I, as a Saint Lucian, I feel that it is within my purview, that if I have a particular amount of savings or a particular amount of connections with banking institutions, I think it’s within my right,” he said. “For all of us young people, whether you’re a politician or whether you’re not a politician, whether you’re a banker, physician or lawyer, I think that every single one of us here can go to a banking institution and get a loan.”
The minister criticised the post, stating that it could deter young people from entering politics or public service.
“I refuse to believe that if I spend the next 20 years of my life providing service to Saint Lucia, that that disqualifies me from going into a lending institution and borrowing money to purchase a piece of property,” he said.
Casimir also encouraged others to ignore similar tactics aimed at discouraging public service.
“I want to say to all men and women out there that want to get involved in this job, and provide a level of service to your country, do not let irresponsible, desperate opposition individuals discourage you from doing that by [attacking] you personally and ensuring that they do all sort of unsavoury things to discourage you. I am not discouraged. Forward ever, backwards never with the development of youth and sports in Saint Lucia,” he said.
When asked if he would take legal action over the public disclosure of his personal affairs, Casimir said he was exploring his options but remained focused on his ministerial duties.
“Genuinely, what I have going for me is my connection with my community and constituents who know me and have comforted me when I go on the ground. They have said to me that this is just unsavoury and desperate. For me, my responsibility is my constituency and young people. I will explore all my options, but there’s just so much work to be done in this country,” he said.
I believe this nonsense needs to stop, that anyone can go to the land registry request a block and parcel number and to go out there to publish wrong information about others in the name of politics to tarnish ones reputation.
In my opinion the individual making the request should give all the information regarding the land before any information can be given to them. eg . Name of owner, banking information, date of purchase, owner’s name. There should be legislation in place to prosecute those malicious people who seek these sensitive information and made it public.
They need to be stopped.
Nothing with regards to a political MPs should be held private unless he/she publicly retire/resign.