St Lucia: This week was a short but very intense week for the St Lucian leader. “Every week that goes by brings new challenges but also new excitement about possibilities. That makes me tick,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire.
Hilaire firstly explained his Monday proceedings and stated, “After church and cricket on Easter Sunday, it was another wonderful day in the constituency on Monday. We spent the day in a small community called Tou Ma Fleet. Not many places where you will find warmer and more hospitable people. It was a day of fun with the children and adults. From egg hunts to face painting to Easter Bonnet Parade to dominoes to dee jaying. It was a lot of fun.”
Following this, he noted about Tuesday and mentioned, “The day was back to office business with a discussion on the state of engagement with DSH. We continue to hope that all outstanding issues can be resolved at the earliest and the people of Saint Lucia can be satisfied that the Pearl of the Caribbean is in the best interest of our people.”
Wednesday was his favourite day of the week, as always. “Meeting with my constituents reminds me of why I got into elected politics in the first place. It keeps me grounded and motivated to work for the people of Castries South and Saint Lucia. I can’t wait for the recommencement of the Constituency Development Programme (CDP) to address so many of the small infrastructural needs of constituents. After five (5) years of being denied any projects, we have a lot to do,” Ernest Hilaire said.
He added, “Thursday started off with a meeting discussing the plans for Carnival. We all know that there is no Carnival without the ‘Bacchanal’. Carnival is our biggest cultural showcase and touristic attraction as a nation. It is the single biggest economic activity throughout the year and brings the most visitors to our showers. In 2022 is on course to be one of our biggest years of the festival. We are committed to protecting the interests of our local promoters and ensuring they get their fair share after the two-year hiatus. We have indicated that there will be no new events during the Carnival season as we still need to be measured in the number of activities that we host. The day continued with a recording with Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and GIS to announce some of the Sandals’ expansion plans for its properties here in Saint Lucia.”
“The next day was spent clearing up some outstanding matters. Friday culminated with a trip to Vieux Fort for an official welcome ceremony of the Earl & Countess of Wessex who is visiting to celebrate the Queen’s 70th Jubilee,” he further stated.
He explained Saturday, “The week ended with a very productive meeting with representatives of the different Carnival agencies and stakeholders, namely, Carnival Planning and Management Committee, Carnival Music Management Committee, Steelpan Association, Carnival Bands Association, Carnival Queen Show and Ministry of Creative Industries and Culture officials. Several key points were raised and ironed out, and I can safely say that things are shaping up quite nicely for a successful Saint Lucia Carnival 2022 – ‘Nothing Sweeter Than That’!”
“The Party will soon start!” Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
