Address by Hon. Philip J. Pierre
Friday, July 30, 2021
by Office of the Prime Minister
ON THE OCCASION OF THE SWEARING IN OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF SAINT LUCIA.

Good afternoon fellow Saint Lucians,

It has been a long and arduous journey. Today, I want to thank God for carrying me thus far. I shall require his support and guidance in the coming days, and years in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the Saint Lucian people. I, also, want to thank the people of Saint Lucia and especially my constituents of Castries East, for their support and show of confidence to lead this country over the next five years. I want to thank Team Labour 2021. We have run a highly organized, effective and clean political campaign, in the face of provocation and vitriolic attacks from our political adversaries. Thanks for keeping on message and remaining focus. To our friends in the media, I thank you tremendously; you made the task of sensitizing the general public less demanding by remaining committed and steadfast.

As Prime Minister, I promise to be prime minister for not some of the people but all the people.  The Saint Lucian Party has won the general elections, however, we must now transition into running a country, which is inclusive, equitable and just. Many people have been made to suffer over the last five years, but this is not the time for retribution, however, justice demands that those who have been engaged in acts of corruption must be held to account and face the legal consequences of their actions. In the coming days, I shall be announcing my cabinet of Ministers to manage the affairs of the country. I ask that all those serving on the boards of statutory bodies and corporations to submit their resignations, to allow the government the freedom for the reconfiguration of those boards.

My sisters and brothers, this is the start of a new beginning for our country. As your servant leader, I shall serve all the citizens of the country regardless of their social class or station in life. The task ahead will not be easy, but, together with my team of able and experienced men and women, we will deliver on the promises made in our 2021 Manifesto. I ask for your patience, in the coming weeks and months, as we try to assess the state of the country’s finances and capacity to deliver, as early as possible, the relief some of you have unjustly been denied.

Thank you again Saint Lucia for the privilege to serve you, and I look forward to doing so with humility and dedication.

May God bless Saint Lucia.

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