Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has sent a clear message to the island — his new administration will be defined by discipline, accountability, and a renewed focus on people-centred leadership.
At a ceremony held at the House of Parliament on December 12, 11 days after the general election that returned his Saint Lucia Labour Party to power, Pierre unveiled a refreshed Cabinet, including new ministerial portfolios, and laid out firm expectations for those selected to serve alongside him.
Rooting his remarks in faith, Pierre said Scripture guided his decisions, quoting Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”
He said the mandate received on December 1 now obliges the government to “move forward together”.
Describing the election outcome as both “historic” and “overwhelming”, Pierre said he fully appreciates the weight of responsibility placed on his administration. He said the task of forming the Cabinet was challenging due to the depth of talent within his ranks, but expressed full confidence in the team he has assembled.
“I am pleased, and I am sure the public will be pleased with the composition of the Cabinet,” Pierre said. “It will be able to successfully drive the Government’s agenda over this new term.”
But the Prime Minister did not shy away from setting a hard line. He stressed that the new term will be performance-driven, with no room for complacency.
“Ministers within my Cabinet will be expected to conduct themselves with the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and effectiveness,” he said, stressing that the Cabinet’s structure is not permanent. “Changes will be made when and whenever necessary, and particularly if ministers do not live up to their responsibilities.”
One notable absence from the Cabinet was former Minister of Agriculture Alfred Prospere, whom Pierre praised for his “stellar work”. He explained that constitutional provisions relating to the Deputy Speaker prevented Prospere’s reappointment at this time, but assured that “as soon as the legal barriers have been overcome, high consideration will be given for his return”.
Pierre also thanked former Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony for stepping up as Deputy Speaker “when it was most needed”, as well as former ministers who are no longer in active politics but whose experience he intends to draw upon.
Responding to questions about his own expansive ministerial responsibilities, which include Constituency Development and People Empowerment alongside Finance and National Security, Pierre said the decision was intentional.
“It simply means that this government, and this Prime Minister, put people first,” Pierre said.
Cabinet roles maintained
Moses Jn Baptiste has been reappointed as Minister for Health and Wellness. The nutrition portfolio has been added to his responsibilities, reflecting a broader focus on public health. Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony, the Prime Minister identified non-communicable diseases as a major concern, saying that “part of that problem is because of our eating habits and our lifestyles”.
Stephenson King and Alva Baptiste have also been reappointed to their previous portfolios. King retains responsibility for the Public Service, Transport, Information, and Utilities Regulations, while Baptiste remains Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs.
Significant portfolio changes
The portfolio of Public Service, Labour, and Gender Affairs has been split. Labour and Gender Affairs have been combined with Equity, Social Justice, and Consumer Welfare under the leadership of Emma Hippolyte.
Kenson Casimir has been reappointed with an expanded remit that now includes Digital Transformation and Education, alongside Youth Development and Sports.
Wayne Girard, previously a minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, has been appointed a minister, retaining responsibility for Economic Development and Youth Economy. The Finance portfolio is now held by Prime Minister Pierre.
The Commerce portfolio has been assigned to Ernest Hilaire, in addition to his roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism.
Jeremiah Norbert, previously a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, now holds the title of Minister for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, and Persons with Disabilities. Conflict Resolution, a new Cabinet portfolio, has also been added to his responsibilities, while his previous role in the Office of the Prime Minister has now been removed.
Joachim Andre Henry, who previously served as Minister for Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, no longer holds a ministerial portfolio.
Climate Change is a newly established Cabinet responsibility, assigned to Lisa Jawahir as part of her role as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security.
Dr Shanda Lee Harracksingh, who contested the Micoud South seat in the general election and secured 41.4 per cent of the vote, has been appointed a Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. Pierre said the role will allow her the flexibility to work across ministries. Harracksingh has also been named a senator and is expected to be formally appointed in the coming days.
Several portfolios held in the previous administration were not mentioned during the swearing-in ceremony. Areas such as Sustainable Development, Technology, Vocational Training, Manufacturing, Business Development, and Elderly Affairs have yet to be assigned.
That’s all talk, if u holding on to integrity and professionalism, what is Hilaire doing in the cabinet???
A lot of glowing cliches – smiles not reaching the eyes. In the months to come, we shall see.
Lots of “togetherness” adjectives in the speech. We shall see.
To the opposition – lots of work to be done. Quietly … not too much shifting.