By Caribbean News Global 
TORONTO, Canada – Eight days into 2023, January 8, 2023, prime minster, Philip Pierre, delivered his – untitled – ‘new year’s address to the nation’, in what can be described as a “political review of a fractured and unfocused domestic economy” with the hope to prayer for a “just and safe society”.
But like Matthew 6:5 advised “… when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Instead let us pray with humility, truthfulness, and good intentions for ourselves and our country,” the prime minister admonished citizens.
Conceivably, better later than never (eight days into 2023) in an era of global uncertainty, to build a more inclusive country in 2023; rather than the two Saint Lucia that is all too real, prime minister Pierre, endeavoured to refresh the minds of Saint Lucians that on July 26, 2021, “you elected a government that pledged to put people first. I want to assure you that our philosophy has not and will not change.”
Eight days into 2023, many Saint Lucia would have already reflected on 2022 – the challenges and opportunities the country faces in 2023.
However, the prime minister’s new year’s address to the nation centred on a revision of 2022 that was uninspiring, dark and troubling for most, relative to healthcare, justice and security, and the youth economy. Much time and resources were spent battling the Covid-19 virus. “It was a very difficult and uncertain period for our country, with an economy that had been severely affected for two years,” he said.
The return to work and school on Monday, January 9, and expectations for 2023 have been crystalized, in quiet time with family, friends and associates; hitherto, thoughts, and plans – can now be rationalized with that of the prime minister’s ethos, and course of action to expect in 2023.
The economy
“According to the economic projections of the ministry of finance and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), we are on course to record between 5 to 7 percent GDP growth in 2022.”
“The good news is, we ended 2022 in a much better place than where we started. We have entered 2023 with renewed optimism for the prospects of our economic growth.”
“Investors are showing a high level of interest and confidence in Saint Lucia’s tourism industry and economy. The value of approved tourism investments between January and August 2022 stands at over $320 million and the government will endeavor to create the best environment possible to convert these approvals into reality.”
“The Youth Economy have been set in motion with the establishment of the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) which will soon open its doors for business in February.”
“A Concession Agreement between SLASPA and Global Ports Holding is being developed for the modernization and expansion of the cruise facilities at these ports. Let me assure the public that port Castries or the Soufriere Waterfront has not been sold to any entity.”
Hewanorra International Airport
“Following the findings of the independent HIA Review Committee, an international consultant, recommended by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), confirmed that in its present trajectory, the airport would cost taxpayers between US $398 million and US $439 million.”
Housing development
“This year, I expect to make some exciting announcements on our housing development plan, especially in relation to affordable housing for our people and the provision of land for home construction.”
“Bear with me as I now turn to the monster in the room – the vexing issue of crime,” added. “The government, consistent with its pledge to pursue good governance and anti-corruption policies, has reached an agreement with an international forensic accountant, Robert Lindquist, for his resumption of an incomplete investigation into the awarding of a contract in 2009, for a project to redevelop the Hewanorra International Airport. Robert Lindquist was first retained in 2012 by the government of prime minister Dr Kenny Anthony, to conduct that investigation. The investigation was stopped in 2016, as the UWP administration which came into office that year, did not authorize its continuation.”
“On the much-discussed matter of the Special Prosecutor, suffice it to say this government is determined to find the answers to several bothersome questions relating to possible misuse of public funds. Because this is obviously an extremely delicate matter, I will withhold further details until a more appropriate opportunity.”
“The Swift Justice Programme mentioned last year will be implemented this year to ameliorate this situation.”
St Jude Hospital Re-construction – “On 1st November 2022, we took concrete action for the completion and commission of St Jude Hospital. This first phase of work is expected to be completed in March 2023, and other construction works will continue shortly after.”
Universal Health Care (UHC) – “The foundation to achieve this important health milestone has been set in 2022. The roadmap to guide its implementation is at an advanced stage of development.”
Let’s review … 2022 resolution!
Prime minister Pierre announced that in 2023 we will continue to prioritize the health, safety, and security of our citizens, added: “We believe the stability of the country’s finances is critical to restoring an enabling environment that will spur private-sector investment and economic growth.”
“This year (2022) is pregnant with opportunities for our country,” said prime minister Pierre […] As a country, we must ensure that this opportunity given by the majority of the people creates an agenda of transformation of our country.
Health sector
“An unfinished St Jude Hospital and the Hewannorra International Airport Re-Development project, all of which are experiencing rising costs above and beyond what we were originally told.”
“In the health sector, the government will take concrete action to complete and commission St Jude hospital. This will involve the completion of the original structure, which has been identified as the quickest and most cost-effective option.”
“One of the challenges facing our country is their confidence in the rule of law. The rule of law – how a country governs – sets the tone and tenor for the entire society. A corrupt government will beget a corrupt society. We must ensure that justice prevails for all citizens and that there are consequences to wrongdoing. Corruption must not be tolerated by anyone including politicians and public officials.”
“Constitutional reform will also be placed back on the front burner. We are working to bring about Saint Lucia’s accession to the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice.”
Youth economy
“The programme for the youth economy has started with financial assistance from the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). This year we will be reaching out to young people to allow them to reap the benefits of that initiative. In 2022, our education sector will also be called upon to begin making major shifts towards greater use of technology and greater infusion of technical, vocational, and skills development. The private sector will be a key partner in creating opportunities that will seek to change the mismatch between education and the skills needed for the modern global workforce.”
“We begin 2022 saddled with the negative effects of COVID-19 and a sovereign debt burden of over $3.9B and over $500M of other debt commitments. Getting our public finances in order will take a herculean task of policy coherence, strategic communications, and consultations, efficient implementation, resource mobilization, elimination of corruption, transparency, and accountability in order to achieve better economic outcomes for our nation and economy.”
2023: An inauspicious start
Prime Minister Pierre must truly break the status quo. He must take practical steps to upend business as usual in government, the parliament, the public service and the country. He must be committed to stopping the politics that has taken centre stage without concessions to their priorities.
Moving forward, the mental shackles, spiritual warfare, and organised chaos that serve the continuous incompetence to understand determined information, research and development, with the knowledge to advance real solutions, must begin.
There are many outstanding matters, credibility issues and stockpiles of accountability to report. The outcomes are reflective of his performance, done admirably in opposition, making demands and asking questions.
Along with these, government exists to solve national problems. The prime minister must now demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, for the well-being and happiness of the country.
Multiple scenarios exist to better accommodate a public policy reset that builds communities and set ambitious priorities, rather than discontent in an already divisive, partisan, violence-torn, gun-toting country.
Nevertheless, nebulous policymakers offer political band-aids, the soft bigotry of low expectations and the influence of food and beverages in politics – far from the substance of governance once pronounced within pragmatism.
The non-results are very well documented in the current situation on the island. It is unclear where Saint Lucia is heading, albeit Nobel Laureate Festival January 8 to 29, 2023, celebrating – Sir William Arthur Lewis (1915-1991), Nobel Prize for Economics in 1979; and Sir Derek Alton Walcott (1930-2017), Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992. There work remains abstract to Saint Lucia.
Meanwhile, an overly simplistic way of assessing, and partnering social behaviour, unfavourable norms and precepts, witnessed parliamentarians treating constituents in conformity with mendicants in the distribution of Christmas gifts, parties and unsavoury social gatherings.
The cost of inaction is greater than the cost of affordability constraints. Outcomes are reflective of performance. Saint Lucians are watching, and it’s a good thing, to weed out ‘loss leaders, loss shepherds, loss foot soldiers’ – taunting prayer and the influence of food on politics, as in ancient times.
Investing in research and development, and STEM education (that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is about preparedness now – for the future. There is science, pseudoscience and mysticism. To dismiss either is unthinkable.
A speedy antiphon to the prime minister’s 2023 new year’s address sent to CNG, reads:
“ The need for national policy has never been more urgent. The prime minister, the author(s) and advisors have once again – missed the message, the expectations are low-keyed and vague, with nothing new towards prosperity and opportunity.”
