Attorney-at-law Mitonia Deterville has been appointed a Government Senator, marking her formal entry into the Upper House of Parliament as part of the newly constituted Thirteenth Parliament.
Reacting to the appointment, Deterville said she was honoured by the confidence placed in her by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, describing the opportunity as one rooted in service rather than personal ambition. “I’m just happy to be able to serve the people of Saint Lucia, and I’m very honoured that the Prime Minister has considered me to perform in that capacity,” she said. “I intend to do my best and to continue to put the people first.”
Deterville admitted that the appointment came as an unexpected development, leaving little time for deliberation. “It was quite a surprise, actually. There was not much time to deliberate, but I was very thankful. The decision was not a hard one,” she explained. “I was very honoured that I was asked to serve and very willing to do so.”
A practising attorney for five years, Deterville brings a blend of legal and public-sector experience to the Senate. Her legal practice has focused primarily on civil litigation, complemented by more than a decade of service as a Foreign Service Officer within the public service.
As she prepares to transition into her new legislative role, Deterville acknowledged that challenges are inevitable but stressed her willingness to learn. “With everything comes its challenges,” she noted. “I recognise and understand that we don’t know everything. This being my first stint, I will be a student as well,learning exactly what is required of me and being patient with myself.”
