Philip J Pierre sworn in for second term

Philip J Pierre was sworn in this evening as Prime Minister for a second straight term, following his Saint Lucia Labour Party’s (SLP) resounding victory in the December 1 general election, highlighting youth unemployment and expansion of educational opportunities among his government’s priorities.

He vowed to “march forward with purpose, discipline, and confidence as we strive to make our island the best place to live and work.”

Pierre, the ninth person to hold the office since independence in 1979 and only the third to secure back-to-back terms, following Sir John Compton and Dr Kenny Anthony, took the oath of office at Government House at Morne Fortune in the presence of several regional heads of government and dignitaries.  Among them were Prime Ministers Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, Mia Mottley of Barbados, Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, and Dr Terrance Drew of St Kitts and Nevis. Also present was former prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Four days earlier, Pierre won Castries East for a seventh consecutive time, contributing to the SLP’s total of 14 seats in the 17-member Parliament. Two independent candidates aligned with the government also emerged victorious, while the United Workers Party (UWP) secured only one seat – that of Allen Chastanet, who resigned as party leader today after 12 years at the helm.

After receiving his instruments of appointment from Governor General Errol Charles, Pierre highlighted the increase in popular support his party received at the polls.

“This show of trust and confidence will be the driver to putting people first,” he said, thanking Team Labour for its campaign and the electorate “for their recognition of the work over the previous years and their belief in our ability to continue what we started.”

Pierre pledged that his administration would continue prioritising 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 able so that everyone can have a dignified existence,” he said, adding that targeted interventions would remain a priority.

Addressing concerns about disenfranchised young men, he warned that “gang membership and unlawful codes of behaviour should not be a desirable alternative”. 

“We call for zero tolerance towards all forms of deviant behaviour that is likely to destroy our society,” the two-time prime minister added.

He also urged a shift away from what he described as rising negativity and intolerance, particularly on social media.

“It should not be a platform for vilifying and destroying others with whom we disagree through slander, malicious rumours, propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation,” Pierre said.

“We should not encourage division and hate as normal behaviour. Instead, we need to be more tolerant of those with views that are different from ours, while treating them with greater patience and respect.”

Pierre called for a new national ethos which would seek to create a society characterised by truth, empathy, and care.

“Let us seek to create a gentler and more tolerant and patient society. Let us seek to respect the dignity and human rights of each other while we peacefully resolve our conflicts. In keeping these new efforts, I’m appealing for more responsible and enlightened use of social media for the upliftment and the advancement of knowledge,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister outlined his government’s priorities for the new term, including confronting youth unemployment, accelerating digital transformation, further modernising the education system, and pursuing opportunities in the purple and blue economies. He said communities across the island would also be positioned to benefit more directly from growth in the tourism sector.

He also reaffirmed commitments to fiscal discipline and debt reduction, announcing an “impactful public sector investment programme” that includes an upgraded Hewanorra International Airport terminal, improved water infrastructure, expanded seaports, and new bus terminals, among other projects.

The Prime Minister also underscored Saint Lucia’s continued engagement in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), affirming the island’s support for sovereignty and peace in the region.

He concluded his ten-minute address with verses from Psalm 21, receiving a standing ovation from those gathered.

The start of Pierre’s new term coincided with Chastanet’s resignation as political leader of the UWP.

In a press release issued earlier in the day, the UWP confirmed that party chairman Therold Prudent had received Chastanet’s resignation letter, which is to be “formally tabled for consideration by the National Executive at its next scheduled meeting during the second week of December”.

The article Philip J Pierre sworn in for second term is from St. Lucia Times.