Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, when pressed on the quality of Saint Lucia’s democracy during a press engagement this week, urged a more constructive and evidence-driven approach from the opposition in Saint Lucia, emphasizing the importance of credible debate and accountability within Parliament.
Speaking at a pre-Cabinet briefing on Monday, Pierre said the role of the opposition must extend beyond criticism and focus on substance and preparation.
“That’s what the opposition does. You use evidence, you do your research, and you say things that people can believe, and people can see are possible,” he stated. “You don’t say things that are unrealistic. You say things that people can believe.”
The Prime Minister cautioned against what he described as sensational or unfounded claims, arguing that such approaches undermine public confidence in the political process.
“You don’t say that you flogged the Prime Minister or claim you have a billion dollars. You say things that are grounded and credible,” he said.
Pierre, who has been in active politics since 1992, reflected on his own experience while serving in opposition, highlighting what he described as a more measured and disciplined approach.
During his political tenure, Pierre was a Member of Parliament on the opposition only twice: the first time following the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s 2006 defeat, and the second time following the Party’s 2016 defeat.
Infamously, as Opposition Leader, Pierre moved an ill-fated Motion of No Confidence in then Prime Minister Allen Chastanet in 2019.
“When I was in opposition, we did not just defame people or attack people’s children and go after families. We didn’t do that,” he said. “We sat, we did the research, we did the work, and we took our time.”
He noted that patience and engagement were key elements of effective opposition, even during periods out of office.
“We knew we lost in 2016. We understood there were five years, so we waited,” Pierre explained. “We didn’t complain. We sat down and we debated in the Parliament.”
The Prime Minister stressed that a functioning democracy depends on a strong and responsible opposition, one that contributes meaningfully to national discourse through informed argument and policy alternatives.
His remarks come amid ongoing concerns about the state of democracy following the United Workers’ Party second consecutive loss at the polls. Currently, only one UWP MP, Allen Chastanet, sits in the House.
The last time the Labour Party won a 16-1 majority was in the wake of the 23 May 1997 under the leadership of Dr. Kenny Anthony.