Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has issued a strong rebuke to the United Workers Party (UWP), accusing the opposition of mocking differently abled persons through a campaign song reportedly ridiculing him. The Prime Minister addressed the matter at the November 24 pre- cabinet meeting.
The line, “Prime Minister autistic”, was sung repeatedly by an emcee at a recent UWP rally.
According to Pierre, the song reflects a deeper problem within the UWP. One that is insensitive and disrespect directed not only toward him, but toward citizens living with disabilities.
“I have had an honours degree. You understand? I have worked for myself all my life. But they believe they can take me down. That won’t take me down. People have voted for me for six [election] years. They will vote for me again,” Pierre said.
The Prime Minister added that the UWP’s mockery should offend all persons with disabilities, calling on them to pay close attention.
“But I hope all differently abled people hear that song. I really hope so. All differently abled people, whether it’s in mind or limb, hear that — hear the United Workers Party, trying to make fun of the Prime Minister.”
Pierre told reporters that although he had not yet heard the song, he intends to play it publicly once he finds it.
“I didn’t hear it, thank you very much, but I’ll find it. I’ll find it to play at my meeting, I’m very happy to do so,” he said.
Pierre went on to highlight his administration’s ongoing efforts to support persons with disabilities, contrasting the UWP’s stance.
“Because you know this government is trying its best to deal with it. We have a ministry for the people with disabilities, we put in more money in it, especially education, but the United Workers Party thinks they can ridicule it, you understand?”
He urged Saint Lucians, especially those living with disabilities, to recognise what he described as the true mentality of the UWP.
“That is, these are the kind of government that we are pushing. These are the kind of people that they are. That’s the mentality of people who want to win elections at a time when the whole world is seeing about people who are differently abled, the whole world.”
Pierre concluded his remarks by repeating his appeal to the disabled community.
“I hope all the friendly able people, people who have all sorts of disabilities, I hope they hear that and I hope you see who wants to run this country.”
