Former Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, has confirmed he will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J Pierre, following the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s (SLP) victory in the December 1 general election.
According to Gonsalves’ Facebook post, the invitation came during a personal conversation between the two leaders.
“This morning, I spoke with my brother and comrade, Hon. Philip J Pierre. In conversation, Philip extended an invitation, which I’ve accepted, to be at his swearing in ceremony on Friday December 5th. Labour stays together!”
Pierre, who has now secured a record seventh consecutive term as Member of Parliament for Castries East, led the SLP to an overwhelming 14–1 victory.
On December 1, Pierre addressed supporters from the verandah of his constituency office in Marchand, striking a measured tone of gratitude and forward planning.
“I want to thank the people who worked with me, and the people who caused that victory to be possible. It is because of them… they are the ones who made that victory possible,” Pierre said, referencing the long-standing connection he described as a “special relationship” with the people of Castries East.
He stressed that while the victory was significant, his focus is now firmly on the work ahead.
“We have work to do. We have to move forward together because this country is on the right trajectory, and we have to move forward.”
In a gesture of unity, Pierre also extended congratulations to the United Workers Party (UWP) Allen Chastanet, who emerged as the only successful candidate for his party in the election.
The Prime Minister indicated that he hopes to be formally sworn in by the end of the week, with a full Cabinet expected to be implemented by next week. Among his immediate plans for the country are a VAT-free day and back pay for civil servants.
The former PM of SVG is behaving very different to the PM of St. Lucia. Yet they are polical brothers.
In SVG the former PM does respect the new NDP government led by the Honourable Dr Godwin Friday. Although the NDP won a fair election with a majority of 14 seats to ONE. As far as I am aware Gonsalves has not offered any good wishes to the new government. It is the decision of the people of SVG to vote for a new government.
In contrast PM Pierre has praised the people of St. Lucia for returning his party him to victory. Even something more contrasting between the two PMs. PM Pierre has reached out to the Opposition. Gonsalves can’t even accept the People’s choice.
There is something very odd about this comradeship between the PM of St. Lucia and the PM of SVG., in their political behaviour in their respective countries.