St Lucia PM Pierre leaves to attend 2022 CHOGM meet in Rwanda, Ernest to act as PM

St Lucia: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre is scheduled to attend the  in Kigali, Rwanda.

Since 1971, leaders of Commonwealth countries have met every two years for CHOGM, which is hosted by a different member country on a rotating basis. CHOGM 2022 will run from June 20 to 25.

Prime Minister Pierre has accepted an invitation from Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, to deliver an address on climate action at a high-level side event under the theme; “Climate Change and the Commonwealth: Accelerating Action”. The Prime Minister’s address will be heard on June 22 before representatives of Commonwealth member countries and officials of United Nations partner agencies.

St Lucia’s delegation for CHOGM 2022 includes the President of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Merphilus James. The Prime Minister and Government of Saint Lucia recognise the important contributions the NCPD continues to make towards raising public awareness and improving the quality of life of Saint Lucia’s differently-abled population. James will join the Prime Minister in Kigali at key stakeholder engagements to pursue opportunities to increase the level of participation by Saint Lucia’s differently-abled population in the national development agenda.

PM Pierre will also hold bilateral talks with officials representing the Republic of Rwanda to continue discussions on the possibility of establishing an air services agreement. The Government of Saint Lucia and the Republic of Rwanda signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2019, which led to a negotiated draft Air Services Agreement between the two countries.

While out of state on official government business, Vice Prime Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire will act as Prime Minister.