PM Pierre wishes and greets St Lucian on 43rd Independence Day

St Lucia: The island country has been celebrating the 43rd Independence Day, on February 22, 2022. On this occasion, the Prime Minister of St Lucia – Philip J Pierre, wished the citizens of the country ‘A Happy Independence Day’ via a video message. The video message was based on the theme “Douvan Ansanm – Celebrating our people”.

This was the first address by Pierre as the PM of the Caribbean country. PM Pierre, in the message, recalled two prominent leaders – Sir George FL Charles and John G. Compton, who paved the route from Colonial rule to Independence.

He further encouraged the residents of St Lucia to come together and fight against the enemies of the country, including poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and crime. He asked people to do ‘something’ for their country which would benefit tomorrow.

PM Pierre further encouraged the St Lucians to be responsible citizens towards their country, especially during the crucial time of the pandemic.

Prime Minister, in the message, stated, “If each one of us today pledges now to be the best citizens we can, we would immediately see a positive change in the number of road accidents, less pollution, we would see a reduction in the negative impact of the COVID-19, we would, in consequence, place less stress on the public purse, on our health facilities and those who work hard to deliver the best possible service, in short, what I am advocating is that we turn a new leaf and start doing more for our country by doing better for ourselves. Your government, freed from the available burdens, will be in a better position to do for you what you cannot do for yourself.”

“As a people, you must celebrate our cultural heritage and must celebrate the cultural independence and should take care that our island is preserved during the development,” PM added.

He further asserted, “As a Prime Minister, I promise to serve the country under the framework of good governance.”

He further mentioned the upcoming elections, stating that those could be good or bad. He explained, “Good as in if it is utilized for the betterment of society and bad when the elections are only seen as opportunities to benefit from selfish behaviour, regardless of which side wins, we all lose. A half-successful Saint Lucia is a totally unsuccessful Saint Lucia”.

Prime Minister Pierre further addressed the youth of St Lucia. He mentioned that the youth is the future of every country, but at present, St Lucia’s youth has been at risk of crime, poverty, unemployment and anti-social behaviour.