Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has expressed a wish for a peaceful Christmas while voicing concern over what he described as a growing climate of anger and mistrust.
“There is too much anger in this country,” Pierre said. “At least during this time of goodwill, I hope we can have some level of peace and tranquility. Let us be our neighbor’s keeper and stop this atmosphere of hate and division.”
Earlier this week, he urged every citizen to unite in kindness and understanding, reminding them that setting aside differences can help build a more peaceful and supportive Saint Lucia, especially during the holiday season.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came amid a sharp spike in political rhetoric, with both the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) blaming each other for fueling disunity through divisive and harmful speech.
The political rhetoric uptick has coincided with approaching general elections, due in or before 2026.
However, amid opposition urgings for an early return to the polls, citing the ruling Labour Party’s mismanagement in office, Prime Minister Pierre recently indicated that there would be no snap election.
“I can assure you there are going to be no elections in Saint Lucia anytime soon. Elections are called by the Prime Minister,” he told reporters, adding that no one will dictate to the PM on the issue.
Pierre’s SLP surged into office with a landslide win at the July 26, 2021, general elections, when the Allen Chastanet-led UWP administration managed to retain a mere two of the eleven seats it had in the 17-seat House of Assembly before the polls.
