Fresh off a decisive electoral victory, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre delivered an emotional address to thousands of supporters at the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s “Thank You” rally on Sunday, December 7, at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
The December 1 General Election saw the SLP secure 14 of the island’s 17 seats, with two independents aligned with the party returning to office, and the United Workers Party capturing just one seat.
Facing a very red crowd, Pierre expressed profound gratitude for the renewed mandate, anchoring his message in loyalty, unity and an intensified commitment to governance in the new term.
“Comrades, comrades, comrades… I love you… And the only reason why we did what we did on December 1 is because of you.”
He credited his supporters for the SLP’s commanding win, emphasising that without them, he and his team would not be standing in victory. He also singled out defeated Micoud South candidate Dr. Shanda-Lee Haracksingh, praising her campaign efforts in the constituency.
“She caused that man to go house to house… She’s a hero… Next election, Shanda will be the parliamentary representative for Micoud South because she has done the work.”
The Prime Minister also spoke openly about the criticisms levelled at him during the campaign.
“The last thing they say about me is I’m autistic,” he noted, before adding that if, with the people’s support, he can still serve as Prime Minister, then he accepts what critics say.
He responded to political attacks not with retaliation, but with a call for calm.
“Anytime you see them, I want you to say, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’.”
Pierre urged supporters to reject division and remain focused on national development:
“This country belongs to all of us… They have tried to divide us, but do not let them disturb us. Let us move forward.”
The Prime Minister announced that his new Cabinet will be revealed this week, and made clear that his ministers will be expected to begin work immediately.
“We have to start working from day one… If you think the last four years were good, the coming four years will be better.”
With the national budget set for April, Pierre promised policies aimed at improving the lives of all citizens:
“In that budget, you will see policies that will improve the life of everybody in Saint Lucia.”
A major portion of his message focused on young men, whom he says will benefit from special incentives in the new term.
“We don’t want people to fool them at election time with nonsense… In the coming term, we will have concrete proposals to improve the lives of the young men of Saint Lucia.”
Pierre reiterated his commitment to expanding community tourism, ensuring that revenues flow to ordinary citizens and not just large operators.
“This industry will belong to you… Community tourism will be expanded so the tourism dollar reaches each community.”
He reminded supporters that national development is a shared responsibility:
“When you go home tonight… say, ‘This country belongs to me’.”
Pierre ended his speech by thanking key allies, including independent MPs Stephenson King and Richard Frederick, whose partnership he said helped secure stability.
“They tried to divide us, but they did not divide us. We moved together… We are not perfect, but what we have is a love for the people of Saint Lucia.”
Mr PM the elections are over congratulations now please get the country moving forward and don’t wait a couple of months before next elections to start dangling the carrot in front of the Donkey