Source: Erasmus Williams FB
CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA— St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr Terrance M. Drew was among several Caribbean leaders in Castries on Friday evening to witness the swearing-in of Hon. Philip J. Pierre as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia for a second consecutive term.
Mr Pierre took the oath of office following the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s (SLP) resounding victory in the December 1 general election. He identified reducing youth unemployment and expanding educational opportunities as among the key priorities of his new administration. According to the *St. Lucia Times*, the Prime Minister pledged to “march forward with purpose, discipline, and confidence as we strive to make our island the best place to live and work.”
Just four days earlier, Pierre had secured Castries East for the seventh consecutive time, contributing to the SLP’s tally of 14 seats in the 17-member Parliament. Two independent candidates aligned with the government also won, while the United Workers Party (UWP) secured only one seat—that of Allen Chastanet, who resigned as party leader on Friday after 12 years at the helm.
After receiving his instruments of appointment from Governor General Errol Charles, Pierre highlighted the increased public support for his party. “This show of trust and confidence will be the driver to putting people first,” he said, thanking Team Labour 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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, noting that a more equitable society requires meeting the basic needs of the disadvantaged and differently abled. Addressing concerns over disenfranchised young men, he warned that gang membership and unlawful behaviour must never be seen as viable alternatives, calling for “zero tolerance towards all forms of deviant behaviour that is likely to destroy our society.”
He also urged Saint Lucians to move away from rising negativity—especially on social media—condemning the spread of slander, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric. Instead, he called for a renewed national ethos grounded in truth, empathy, tolerance, and respect. “Let us seek to create a gentler and more patient society,” he said, appealing for more responsible use of social media to uplift communities and advance knowledge.
Looking ahead, Pierre outlined his administration’s priorities for the new term, including tackling youth unemployment, accelerating digital transformation, modernising the education system, and expanding opportunities in the purple and blue economies. He pledged that communities across the island would benefit more directly from growth in the tourism sector.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and debt reduction, announcing a robust public sector investment programme featuring an upgraded Hewanorra International Airport terminal, improved water infrastructure, expanded seaports, and new bus terminals, among other major projects.
The Prime Minister also emphasised Saint Lucia’s continued engagement within CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), underscoring the country’s unwavering support for sovereignty and peace across the region.
Pierre concluded his ten-minute address by reciting verses from Psalm 21, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
The start of his new term coincided with the resignation of UWP political leader Allen Chastanet. In a press release issued earlier Friday, the UWP confirmed that party chairman Therold Prudent had received Chastanet’s resignation letter, which will be formally presented to the National Executive at its next meeting in the second week of December.
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