SLP Ministers Defend Wayne Girard’s ‘Quiet Storm’ Political Approach

Ministers in the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration have expressed strong support for Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Youth Economy Wayne Girard, praising him as a hardworking yet humble leader.

Girard, who was elected in the 2021 general elections as the Member of Parliament for Anse La Raye-Canaries, has faced criticism from constituents and the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), who claim he is absent from the community and does little for the people he was elected to represent.

However, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre defended Girard during an SLP public meeting in Anse La Raye on Sunday, emphasising that his apparent absence is due to his demanding role in ensuring Saint Lucia’s financial stability. 

He praised Girard for his work on the country’s sovereign wealth fund, which is set to be presented in Parliament on Tuesday. He also highlighted Girard’s negotiations abroad to secure loans and funding for critical infrastructure, such as water supply improvements and school construction.

“You don’t see Wayne because Wayne is working,” Pierre asserted. “He is in his office ensuring that Saint Lucia continues its economic growth. So I’ll say to you, do not let anybody fool you with nonsense. ”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Ernest Hilaire echoed Pierre’s sentiments, calling Girard one of the “brightest politicians” he knows. 

He dismissed opposition predictions that Girard could lose his seat to former MP Dominic Fedee, and assured party supporters that the SLP would stand firmly behind Girard.

Hilaire acknowledged that Girard tends to work behind the scenes rather than publicise his efforts, a trait the party has encouraged him to change. “Wayne believes in doing his work quietly, but we have said to Wayne, ‘when you do good, let people know that you are doing good’,” he said.

Despite criticism from the UWP and some constituents, SLP ministers maintain that Girard is one of the hardest-working members of the government, dedicated to securing Saint Lucia’s economic future.