Fresh off a landslide victory, Prime Minister Philip J Pierre says his new government will move quickly to address national priorities, including civil service bonuses and pressing regional and international challenges.
The United Workers Party suffered a stunning collapse at the polls, holding onto only one seat. Allen Chastanet now stands as the party’s sole representative in Parliament.
Speaking to supporters after his victory, Pierre said he intends to resume work as Minister for Finance with urgency.
“I know that the people are waiting for their VAT free day and the servants are waiting for their bonuses. I can assure them that as soon as I get to work as Minister of Finance again, I will instruct the Department Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and the Secretary of Finance to get the bonus going for the civil service and for the public service of Saint Lucia.”
Pierre also acknowledged Chastanet’s survival at the polls and stressed the importance of maintaining parliamentary respect.
“I want to congratulate him in advance. I hope we will continue to respect him in the parliament because we think there is a role for the opposition,” he said.
He encouraged supporters to put the political season behind them. “I want to also tell the people of Saint Lucia that the election is over. Our government has always been a government of consensus, a government of working together.”
The Prime Minister noted that major national issues lie ahead. “We have to deal with some very important issues. We have to deal with issues both locally, regionally, and internationally. And the government will have to take some very, very important decisions moving forward.”
Pierre is expected to announce his new Cabinet within days.