Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has chosen to distance himself from comments made by former Saint Lucia Labour Party colleague Stanley Felix, who recently accused the nation’s leader of what he described as “betrayal”.
Speaking at the October 20 pre-Cabinet press briefing, Pierre said he would not be drawn into any form of “roro”, emphasising his focus remains on carrying out his duties as Prime Minister.
Felix first alluded to betrayal when he announced his independent candidacy for the Castries Central seat on October 13.
“People I trusted hurt me. Doors that should have opened were slammed shut in my face,” he said during his address.
The alleged fallout between the two men stems from events in 2022, when Felix was relieved of his duties as President of the Senate after being charged with perverting the course of justice — a charge that was later dropped in March 2024.
Appearing on Newsmaker Live on October 15, Felix expressed disappointment in the manner his removal was handled, saying he was never afforded a conversation or explanation before the decision was made. He said the consequences of that dismissal, both professionally and personally, were “significant”.
While the Prime Minister acknowledged that he had not listened to the full remarks made by Felix, he said he would not challenge them.
“I will never dispute anything Mr Felix says — never,” Pierre stated.
He added that he has known Felix for many years and does not intend to engage in political quarrels.
“I know Stanley for a long time, and I will never get involved in trying to create any roro,” he said, stressing that every citizen has a right to participate in the democratic process. “Everyone has their democratic right to run elections.”
Pierre maintained that he is focused on the country’s progress rather than personal or political disputes.
“This election for me will never be an election of conflict,” he added. “That election for me is an election of my achievements.”
