A sweeping legislative agenda centered on constitutional reform, governance, education, and national development has been outlined in the Throne Speech delivered on April 21 at the House of Parliament of Saint Lucia.
His Excellency Felix Finisterre, Deputy to the Governor General, set out the government’s priorities for the coming parliamentary year, signaling renewed focus on institutional reform, economic resilience, and social advancement.
Addressing lawmakers, Finisterre emphasized the importance of international cooperation amid shifting global dynamics.
“Notwithstanding the new challenges, my government shall continue to collaborate and dialogue with friendly governments, sharing common interests, recognizing that the new world order will require stronger ties with our traditional friendly countries and with other partners that share our values,” he said.
He underscored the need for national responsibility in development, stating, “We must together build a nation that we can all be proud of. Our people are indeed our only resource.”
A key highlight of the address was the government’s intention to intensify discussions on constitutional reform, including the country’s governance structure.
“Given the global geopolitical changes, Saint Lucia will intensify discussions on a new constitution recommended by the Suzie D’Auvergne Commission,” Finisterre said. “Our present constitutional arrangements, as it relates to the head of state, will surely be considered.”
He added that electoral reform is also on the agenda. “The electoral boundaries will also be reviewed to bring greater alignment among existing constituencies.”
The speech also reaffirmed Saint Lucia’s commitment to regional judicial independence following its accession to the Caribbean Court of Justice.
“You will recall that on the 20th of July 2023, Saint Lucia formally became the fifth CARICOM country to accede to the Caribbean Court of Justice, making it its final appellate court,” he noted.
On economic policy, Finisterre indicated that the government would continue to refine the Citizenship by Investment Programme to ensure accountability.
“My government will continue to review the Citizenship by Investment legislation to ensure that the programme continues to be transparent, accountable and compliant with international standards,” he said.
He also announced that the Sovereign Wealth Fund, passed in 2025, “will be operationalized this year” to support climate resilience and sustainable development.
Education and social policy featured prominently in the address. Finisterre stressed that “education is a right and not a privilege” and revealed plans to revisit legislation governing school attendance, retention, and special education.
He added that the system must be modernized to meet future demands.
“We must therefore ensure that our school system is able to prepare our students to thrive in a technologically driven world… ensuring that no child is left behind.”
A broad slate of legislative measures aimed at strengthening governance and public accountability is also expected.
“My government will revise the Integrity in Public Life Act to bring it to life with modern transparency practices for government and political officials,” he said.
On national security and justice, Finisterre outlined several bills designed to improve the effectiveness of the legal system, including measures related to witness protection, forensic evidence, electronic crimes, and plea bargaining.
Healthcare reform is also on the legislative agenda, with plans for a Universal Health Coverage Bill, a Mental Health Bill, and a Medical Laboratories Bill.
Climate change and environmental protection were identified as urgent priorities. “Climate change continues to be an existential threat,” Finisterre warned, adding that legislation addressing fossil fuels, renewable energy and environmental protection will be introduced.
He further noted that the long-awaited Electricity Supply Bill and the National Hydro-Meteorological Services Bill are expected to be enacted this year.
The Throne Speech sets the tone for parliamentary debate in the months ahead, outlining a policy direction that the government says is aimed at “progressive changes in the social and economic life of the people” while positioning Saint Lucia for long-term development.