After nearly three decades as Parliamentary Representative for Castries East, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says the legacy he hopes to leave behind is not centered on politics or physical infrastructure, but on building a more compassionate, educated and opportunity-driven society.
Speaking during Monday’s Cabinet Press Briefing, Pierre reflected on the impact he hopes his years in public service will have on future generations, pointing to social development, education and equal opportunity as the hallmarks of his vision for the country.
“What I think I would like to leave behind is a more caring Saint Lucia,” the Prime Minister said.
He cited several government initiatives which he believes contribute to that objective, including improvements in education, social mobility and employment opportunities.
“A Saint Lucia where there’s more opportunity as some of our life decisions have shown, a new minimum wage, good child education, matriculation for children to be able to do their CXC so that they can go to a higher piece of learning, a St. Jude Hospital,” Pierre stated.
The Prime Minister also highlighted scholarship programmes designed to expand access to tertiary education for students from families with no previous university graduates.
“You know, scholarships where people get first generation school, where people who’ve never had the opportunity to go to university get an opportunity for first generation scholarships,” he said.
Beyond expanding access to education, Pierre said he hopes to see a culture that values achievement and lifelong learning.
“I would like to leave behind a Saint Lucia that’s more, apart from more caring, a Saint Lucia that’s more educated, a Saint Lucia that strives for excellence,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that national development should transcend partisan politics and be guided by a collective commitment to improving the country.
“This is what I would like to leave behind,” Pierre said. “And this is why I urge people of Saint Lucia all the time, let us have one goal, a goal to make Saint Lucia a better place for all of us, regardless of our political affiliation.”
Pierre’s remarks come as he continues to serve as one of the island’s longest-standing elected representatives, having represented Castries East continuously since 1997. His comments offered a personal reflection on the broader social and educational outcomes he hopes will define his contribution to national development.