Prime Minister and Political Leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) Philip J. Pierre used the party’s fifth anniversary victory rally to announce new government initiatives, including a proposed US$20 million loan guarantee for social housing and further plans for the redevelopment of Castries.
The rally was held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Castries Market steps along Jeremie Street to commemorate the SLP’s victory in the July 26, 2021 general elections.
Addressing supporters, Pierre said the Government will move in August to guarantee a loan for the Saint Lucia Development Bank to finance housing initiatives for citizens.
“In August, we are going to guarantee a loan for the Saint Lucia Development Bank. Twenty million US dollars to build what we call social housing for the people of Saint Lucia,” Pierre announced.
He said the funding is intended to improve the country’s housing stock and provide more opportunities for citizens to access better homes.
“And I’ve said to the people at the Development Bank. We put our confidence in you. You have to deliver. You have to deliver,” the Prime Minister said.
Pierre urged the Development Bank to ensure the funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
“You have to ensure that that money gets to the people of Saint Lucia so they can improve the housing stock in this country, my brothers and sisters.”
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns raised by vendors affected by recent developments in Castries, recalling a previous commitment to provide assistance.
“I tell the vendors who were there, I promised that I would give them some relief because of the loss of income,” he said.
Pierre said the Government’s wider objective remains improving the quality of life for citizens, while hinting at additional plans for the capital.
“We are about improving the lives of the people of Saint Lucia. So, you are going to see a brand-new Castries.”
However, he stopped short of revealing further details, saying he wanted to ensure commitments made by the Government could be fulfilled.
“There are plans. There are bigger plans. But I can’t tell you anything because I know when I promise I have to deliver. So, I won’t tell you. I won’t tell you. But there are more coming.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted several major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Government, including the completion of the St Jude Hospital redevelopment and ongoing work at the Hewanorra International Airport.
Pierre criticized the previous administration over unfinished projects, while defending his Government’s record.
“But we will not let them destroy Saint Lucia because we finished St Jude Hospital. They did not finish it. They could not finish it.”
He said work on the Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment remains a priority and pointed to visible progress at the site.
“We are going to finish the Hewanorra International Airport because we were the ones who said to the people of Saint Lucia that you need a proper terminal building.”
“If you go there today, you will see work on the control tower has started. Go today and see it. Go today and see it.”
Pierre also referenced ongoing road development projects led by Infrastructure Minister Shawn Edward, including plans for improved connectivity between the north and south of the island.
“And Shawn Edward is working on the roads, but he didn’t tell you the plans we have for the north-south highway.”
The anniversary rally served as both a celebration of the SLP’s 2021 electoral victory and a platform for the Prime Minister to outline upcoming government initiatives in housing, urban development and infrastructure.