In the year leading up to his resounding re‑election to a second consecutive term – and a record seventh as MP – Philip J. Pierre drove long‑delayed national projects and advanced key healthcare, infrastructure and social initiatives, shaping the country’s political and socio‑economic direction.
One of the year’s most significant developments was progress on the long‑delayed St Jude Hospital. In his New Year’s address, Pierre confirmed that the facility was on track to open this year, a major milestone more than 15 years after a fire destroyed the original Augier, Vieux Fort hospital in 2009. Since then, healthcare services have been housed in the George Odlum Stadium, a temporary arrangement that has stretched on for more than a decade.
The reconstructed hospital was formally handed over to the government on November 16, signalling the completion of reconstruction works and the start of its transition towards full operational readiness.
On the economic front, Pierre unveiled Saint Lucia’s largest-ever national budget, proposing a record $2.06 billion in Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Presenting the Estimates in the House of Assembly, he highlighted strong economic performance over the previous year, pointing to record-low, single-digit unemployment, robust tourism growth, increased foreign direct investment and improved consumer confidence.
However, he cautioned that global instability could necessitate adjustments to the projections. Despite these risks, Pierre said the government’s fiscal policies had created space “to provide unprecedented support to vulnerable groups and individuals”, and to build on priorities such as infrastructure development, healthcare, social programmes, citizen safety and job creation.
Support for youth development and sport also featured prominently during the year. Following the prime minister’s Independence T20 Cup final at Mindoo Philip Park, Pierre announced an additional $500 000 allocation for sports equipment, citing his admiration for the standard of cricket on display. The funding, separate from a previously announced $1 million allocation, will be distributed through the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, with priority given to those most in need.
Earlier this year, Pierre uttered his now famous line in parliament, “They cannot read me; I’m a mystery”, which was used during his election campaign and now by DJs in their songs.
In the December 1, 2025, general election, Pierre led the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to a decisive victory with 14 of the 17 seats.
On the night of his electoral win, the 71-year-old prime minister and the ninth to hold the office since Independence, expressed thanks to the people who worked with him. “It is because of them… they are the ones who made that victory possible,” he said.
Sworn in on the evening of December 6 at the Government House, Pierre became the third prime minister since Independence in 1979 to secure back-to-back terms, following Sir John Compton and Dr Kenny Anthony.
At the ceremony, Pierre described the mandate as a clear signal of public trust. “This show of trust and confidence will be the driver to putting people first,” he said, thanking Team Labour for its campaign efforts and the electorate for what he called their belief in his administration’s ability “to continue what we started”.
Following his return to office, Pierre reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance, with particular focus on vulnerable groups. “We cannot speak of preserving human dignity and a more equitable society if we are not prepared to address the basic needs of the vulnerable and differently abled so that everyone can have a dignified existence,” he stated, confirming that targeted interventions would remain central to his administration’s agenda.
The prime minister also moved to deliver on key social commitments, including relief for consumers during the holiday season. Parliament approved a VAT-free day on December 22, fulfilling a pre-election promise. Introducing the amendment to the VAT Act, Pierre told the House, “Be it resolved that Parliament by affirmative resolution approves the draft Value Added Tax amendment of Schedule 1… to include as zero-rated goods on the 22nd day of December 2025.” He noted that certain items, including motor vehicles, fuel, alcohol, tobacco, firearms and some imports, would remain excluded.
Pierre has outlined an ambitious slate of projects and reforms for Saint Lucia. At his administration’s first press briefing after the election, he confirmed continued work at Hewanorra International Airport, including construction of the air traffic control tower and redevelopment of the terminal. He also announced that the Gros Islet to Castries highway project would move into construction, with funding secured and the first phase expected to begin within the first three months of next year.
In healthcare, he said equipment installation is ongoing at St Jude Hospital, with full transition to the new facility expected within the first quarter of next year, describing the hospital as “fit for purpose”. Preparatory work is also underway for the fifth wing of the Owen King EU Hospital, with construction anticipated in the first half of next year.
Other major initiatives include the House of Justice project, slated for completion in 2027; new police headquarters in Gros Islet and the north of the island, expected to be occupied in the first quarter of next year; extensions to school buildings due for completion by September; and upcoming works on a super administrative building and the Soufrière elderly home.
Pierre also outlined structural changes within his Cabinet, including the creation of a ministry dedicated to continuing education, special education and early childhood development. He reaffirmed the government’s intention to move 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”. Additionally, the agriculture portfolio has been expanded to include climate change and nutrition, strengthening links between food production, public health, tourism and school feeding programmes.
Emphasising investment in human development, the prime minister said the forthcoming budget will include targeted programmes for young men to address frustration and social challenges, with planned collaboration with institutions such as the Centre for Adolescent Renewal and Education (CARE).
As he enters his second term, Pierre has vowed to continue governing with what he described as purpose, confidence and a people-centred approach, telling supporters after his swearing-in that he would “march forward with purpose, discipline, and confidence as we strive to make our island the best place to live and work”.
