Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has alleged that last week’s protest in Roseau, where residents blocked the road leading to Saint Lucia Distillers to demand road repairs, was politically motivated and aimed at damaging the country’s international reputation.
He also insisted that plans for the road improvement were already in place, and the demonstration was not the reason they began.
Last Friday morning, Roseau residents set up a roadblock that prevented vehicles from entering and exiting the distillery, disrupting deliveries and sales. Protesters said they were fed up with the deteriorating road conditions and excessive dust affecting their daily lives.
During Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, Pierre charged that the demonstration was part of an effort to misrepresent conditions in Saint Lucia. He accused the opposition of being behind it.
“I believe, and that’s my belief, that this is a means of causing our country to look… bad… for foreign consumption,” he alleged.
The prime minister warned of potential economic fallout, stating, “We can get hurt where it matters—in our tourism industry, in our investment industry.”
Although the road repairs began within hours of the Roseau protest, the prime minister rejected claims that the protest was necessary to push the government into action, pointing out that roadworks were already in progress in the area.
“Right now, in the same constituency, there is work going on a major highway as we speak. There are millions of dollars of work going on in the same area as we speak,” he contended.
Wayne Girard, the Member of Parliament for Anse La Raye-Canaries, which includes Roseau, also maintained—as he did during the protest—that the demonstration was unnecessary, as work was already planned.
“Very interestingly, just a week ago, the engineers were on that very same road measuring it to commence work. So it was very interesting that some people were encouraged to take that action,” he said.
Girard also hinted that outside influences may have played a role in the protest. However, he reassured constituents that progress would continue.
“We are going to deliver to the people of Roseau as expected.
“As far as I’m concerned, my responsibility is to the people of Roseau, and I did what was in the best interest of the people of Roseau, irrespective of the politics,” he said, adding that the protest was “a matter for law enforcement officers to look into and realise what was the story behind that.”
Mr. PM it’s time to cut all this crap and be the honorable person. Too much petty talk. Come on man !!
So it looks bad for tourists to see us expressing our dissatisfaction of the road conditions, rather than tourists coming here and experiencing actual poor road conditions. Make that make sense
Pierre is rapidly descending into a bizarre space. Conspiracies, illogical affirmations and abandonment of decorum are constantly popping up.
Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.
I have a couple of questions to ask and a statement to make. I am a resident of the community, this road the Roseau people referring to was maintained by Geest during the banana era. Now the Distillery bought the rum factory, they have 40-foot containers and other big trucks traversing this road, why can’t they maintain it. Roseau people consume lots of their produce and they are not donating anything towards the development of the Roseau community. Let’s look at the road leading to the beach, it’s a disgrace.
Now lets look at the political side of it. According to one resident the former parliamentary rep gave a lady with a shop at Roseau over 20 thousand dollars to repair that road and she never did it. WHY?
SMH!! The Good Lord will deliver us the citizens of this beautiful Isle of the West one day.
I left St. Lucia because of politics and the political climate – I was not even old enough to vote – however, because of my grandmother’s political affiliation, not mine – I was denied a job for which I had taken a test and was qualified. How do I know – because I overheard the supervisor say “she passed the test – but we cannot give her the job – her grandmother is a ?????” and she literally mentioned the party-I will never forget this experience. This happened more than 50 years ago – thus far no change in St. Lucia relative to politics.
Is there anything in St. Lucia which is not governed by politics/political affiliation??????? – let’s be HONEST as the answer is a resounding NO.
“I believe, and that’s my belief, that this is a means of causing our country to look… bad… for foreign consumption,” he alleged.
No concrete EVIDENCE towards HIS allegation. Pulling stories from the sky!! That is what is wrong with this administration. Say what is true instead of allegations!!
@Paul Regis you are right. The Distillery should be making a substantial contribution to the maintenance of the road and the community in general. ie being a good Corporate Citizen…
@ Paul Regis –regarding the Distillery it’s called greed and more greed – takers only — not willing to contribute even to the very community where they make their living $$$$$ with their large containers utilizing the road frequently – malveetaayes. I hope they know they will leave all the $$$$$$$ behind…no one takes anything with them.
2. Why would the rep give a lady with a shop at Roseau $20,000.00 to repair the road???. Did she own a road repair company??? and was there a executed contract – if this is the case – then this lady should know that KARMA is already at her doorstep for KARMA knows everyone’s address – return the funds if you did not do the job period full stop. You will certainly reap as you have sowed for robbing the community as well as St. Lucia – facts.
Paul Regis give the full facts not half facts. Geest Industries owned all the lands hence it was its responsibility to maintain for their Sugar and Banana plantation. Geest sold most of their lands. Remember Model Farms. The Distillery was 50 percent Geest 50 percent Barnard Family, Geest sold its shares in 1992 with Barnard Family until CLICO bought over around 2003 and GBH bought in 2017 thereabout. The Company has contributed to the road on numerous occasions. This road has had minor repairs and not been resurfaced for 3 decades. The fact is the Distillery is and has been making a contribution to the road repairs to say otherwise is disingenuous. The Distillery is a beneficiary of the road along with residents and Fedee’s Business down the road. The major issue is the dust from the road affecting the community and this is a legitimate concern. It is incorrect to say the Distillery does not contribute to the community. The investment in the expansion includes a playing field on their land for the community requested by the Parliamentary Representative. The repairs to certain community facilities is done by the Distillery. The Road was beeing discussed and I was surprised by the protest and I was not aware of any contentious discussions on the matter. What is interesting is who emerged as the leader of the protest.