Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has vowed to deliver a good, inclusive, and people‑focused government, thanking Saint Lucians for what he called an overwhelming mandate at the polls.
At his administration’s first press briefing, he said the December 1 results signalled strong public confidence in his party and placed a clear responsibility on his government to act in the national interest.
He centred much of his remarks on infrastructure, highlighting plans to complete ongoing works and accelerate major national projects.
He confirmed that work at Hewanorra International Airport would continue, including construction of the air traffic control tower and the long-awaited terminal redevelopment.
Pierre said the terminal project had followed an international tendering process adding that tender documents had been opened and were currently being evaluated, with construction expected to begin early in the new year. Improvements to the runway and other airside facilities are also set to continue into 2026.
The Prime Minister announced that work on the Gros Islet–Castries highway would move forward, with engineering designs nearing completion and tenders for contractors expected shortly. He confirmed that funding had been secured and that construction on the first phase should begin within the first three months of next year.
On healthcare, Pierre said equipment is being installed at St Jude Hospital and while some services have already relocated, he expects the full transition to the new facility to be completed within the first quarter of next year. He described the hospital as “fit for purpose” and said the government was pleased with the progress made.
The House of Justice project is also continuing, with construction expected to last two years and completion targeted for 2027. In the north of the island, the Prime Minister said the Gros Islet and Northern Police Headquarters should be occupied during the first quarter of next year.
Extensions to school buildings are also expected to be completed by September, allowing students to benefit from new facilities in the upcoming academic year.
Pierre provided updates on other public sector investments, including plans for the fifth wing of the Owen King EU Hospital, where preparatory work is underway, and construction is expected to begin within the first half of next year.
He said projects such as the police headquarters, a new super administrative building and the Soufrière elderly home are all progressing, with construction scheduled to commence in the coming months.
The Prime Minister highlighted changes to his Cabinet, including the creation of a ministry focused on continuing education, special education and early childhood development.
He said the government would take concrete steps in the upcoming budget towards universal early childhood education, with the aim that “every child will… have the opportunity of getting a free early childhood education in the soonest possible time”.
He also explained that the agriculture portfolio had been expanded to include climate change and nutrition, creating stronger links between food production, public health, tourism and school feeding programmes.
He congratulated the Leader of the Opposition on retaining his seat, calling it a significant achievement, and invited him to participate fully in parliamentary processes. Pierre assured the country that Allen Chastanet would receive “all the protocols of the Leader of the Opposition”, including security and other entitlements, adding, “We are not in the business of removing privileges from opposition figures.”
The Prime Minister stressed the need for investment in human development, pledging that the budget will include targeted programmes for young men to prevent frustration and outlining plans to work with institutions such as the Centre for Adolescent Renewal and Education (CARE).
Pierre said he welcomes healthy debates and discussion and his administration would practice inclusion rather than intimidation. “The people have spoken in no uncertain terms,” he said, urging the country to accept the outcome, work together and move forward for the benefit of all.
What about WASCO? Coincidence maybe, but I have noticed since the appointment of the new CEO about 2 years ago, WASCO’s reliability has been running downhill like a runaway train. It looks to me that something drastic needs to be done to save the public from such an enormous strain. Let’s face it, not every household can afford a large water tank with electrical pump etc. And even then, at the rate WASCO is deteriorating, there will soon not be any water reaching anyone’s tanks.
Well, there seem to be one main question that the returning government (well earned I believe) should be contemplating among their other priorities.
WASCO’s rapid fall from grace of late. Was it “Climate Change” or was it Leadership change?