Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has shrugged off claims that he deliberately refused to shake hands with Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet during a church service on Sunday, suggesting that he did not see the moment as significant.
When asked about the alleged snub at the pre-Cabinet briefing on Monday, Pierre responded, “The last time I heard about handshakes, handshakes are voluntary.”
Pressed on whether political parties were still viewed as opponents rather than enemies, as they had been in the past, he added, “I have no enemies. My enemies are poverty, hatred, envy, and greed—these are my enemies.”
The controversy arose after the United Workers Party (UWP) claimed in a social media post that Prime Minister Pierre deliberately refused to shake Chastanet’s hand during the customary “sign of peace” at the St Joseph the Worker Parish Church in Gros Islet—“a clear and undeniable act witnessed by those in attendance”.
The special mass, held to celebrate the Jubilee Year of the Church, was attended by several dignitaries and public officials, including Pierre, government ministers, and Chastanet.
A video posted by the UWP showed Chastanet extending his hand toward Pierre, who seemed to turn away as the church choir sang, “Reach out and touch somebody’s hand, make this world a better place if you can.”
During the service, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire urged political leaders to work to bring people together, adding that the Church must also play its part.
“I always say to people that politics, by its very nature, has a very divisive element in it because it is a colossal contest for leadership. The biggest challenge I think for leadership today is whether we can lead our people to unity or we can lead our people to outright division. What are we going to present to our people in the next few months, in the year or so?” he asked.
“Today, I want this jubilee of our leaders—of our government, both Cabinet and opposition—to be one that seeks after unity and the peace of our country, because we all together, we have a nation to build together.”
I am neither SLP nor UWP but if this was a deliberate act then it is very childish and pathetic. What examples are you elders setting for the youth of St. Lucia?
St Lucia Times where is my comment. I will repeat – professionals must act as they must and not as they feel. The PM is behaving like a little boy . Close to church far from God.
Low class behavior! Just behave professionally as befitting someone occupying the highest seat.
What if the governor decides to do the same thing? I am ashamed for the man because he is incapable of doing so on his own.
What is wrong with you guys? Why can’t you all follow what you preach? When there is a homicide you all go public saying how people should put aside their differences and solve problem amicably. Yet you guys publicly show that a handshake is to much. I find that is petty. Put politics aside and act humanly. Love your neighbour, do good to those that hate you. Even if you dont like each other but Hon Chas if he had any swolled his pride, dislike and instead extended love that was ignored. This island of our has been destroyed by our leaders whk are suppose to be our examples, role models. Let us people focus on god and our relationship with him. It has nothing to do with church but rather less us make god our best friend, let us allow ourselves to love him. In so doing we will think twice when ir comes to hurting others whether it be by our words or actions. Revelation is being fullfied. God will use America the great to teach us that his words are not meaningless. Do unto others as you would like done to you. We always want gods forgiveness yet u willing to forgive another. Be watchful and prayerful my peolpe. Peace and love
Cutting people out of your life doesn’t mean you hate them. It means you respect yourself. By the same token, if PM Pierre doesn’t want a handshake from Mr. Chastanet that’s his prerogative. Let’s not pretend that partisanship isn’t deeply entrenched in St. Lucia’s politics.
He right not to shake Mr Chastanet hand because he has been very disrespectful towards Mr Philip J Pierre …. One minute he wants to shake hands and the next minute he all over the tv and the internet bashing Mr Pierre also Guy Joseph they all have no respect for the prime Minister.