By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia – A notice from the Office of The Prime Minister, (OPM), Friday afternoon advised that the prime minister, Philip J. Pierre will address the Nation on Sunday 27, November 2022 at 7 PM, via state media National Television Network (NTN).
It has been a rollercoaster month for the government of Saint Lucia, on issues of crime (four in one week, amounting to 66 homicides as of publication), the economy (as summarised by the IMF), healthcare (St Jude reconstruction resumes in S.T.E.P methodology) the weather phenomenon November 6; the legislative agenda (amendment to the constitution to facilitate the deputy speaker matter), a new president to the Senate, the banana industry, public borrowing that neotypes are indifferent to comprehend and Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment (CIP).
Readers and subscribers to Caribbean News Global (CNG) are privy to many of the articles published here and an editorial – Integrity matters in national security.
There is much anticipation pertaining to what prime minister Pierre has to say in this national address, if CNG’s articles provide a guide to many of the subject matters confronting Saint Lucia.
A few callers to CNG Friday evening inquiring about the unmanageable crime situation and rumours of a new national security minister. But given the uncontrollable crime situation, many argued, a new minister from the available parliamentarians is ill-advised to make a difference.
Previously, there were calls for a cabinet reshuffle, and outwardly to even dismiss underperforming cabinet ministers.
The most interesting phone call to CNG Friday evening, came from a renowned economist stating: “Will PM Pierre do a Roosevelt Skerrit as a means of cleansing his cabinet.”
The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has a 15-2 majority in the parliament. Recently the United Workers Party (UWP) voted Oswald ‘OzzieBoy’ Augustin as the general secretary, in a bid to organize the UWP towards a national convention, scheduled for February 26, 2023. Critics, pundits and UWP supporters expect a new UWP.
Meanwhile, there is much anticipation as Saint Lucians await what prime minister Pierre and his 16 months administration heading into the Christmas and New Year – a festive season, have in the red bag from Santa Clause.
