Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has declared that Saint Lucia has decisively rejected “bitterness, hatred and division,” as he outlined an ambitious national development agenda anchored in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment and economic modernisation.
In a New Year’s Address to the Nation on Sunday, Pierre said the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s December 1 election victory reaffirmed the people’s desire for stability, compassion and people-centred governance. “Your overwhelming choice reaffirmed a shared belief in fairness, inclusion, stability and progress,” Pierre said, adding that Saint Lucians had chosen to “move forward together with love and compassion.”
A major highlight of the Prime Minister’s address was the full commissioning of St Jude Hospital this year, a milestone he described as a turning point for healthcare in the south of the island and for the national health system.
Pierre also announced the commencement of work on the fifth finger of the Owen King EU Hospital, continued expansion of wellness centres, and the ongoing roll-out of Universal Health Care. “These investments are not abstract. They have saved lives, supported families, and affirmed dignity,” he said.
Education will remain the Government’s main engine for poverty reduction and transformation in 2026, with plans to expand smart classrooms, strengthen technical and vocational training and increase access to early childhood and special education.
On infrastructure, Pierre outlined major capital works including the start of the Hewannorra International Airport Terminal Building, the Julian R. Hunte Highway upgrade, rehabilitation of Berth 4 at Port Castries, and housing developments at Talvern and Rockhall. “These projects create jobs today and unlock tomorrow’s growth,” he declared.
The Prime Minister also lamented the loss of young men to gangs and antisocial behaviour, promising targeted initiatives to upskill and empower at-risk youth and strengthen the Youth Economy.
He called for public responsibility in protecting the physical environment and announced legislation to regularise unplanned developments.
Government, he said, will intensify efforts to improve the Ease of Doing Business, streamline port procedures, promote responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, and introduce an unemployment insurance programme.
Addressing regional developments, Pierre reaffirmed Saint Lucia’s commitment to CARICOM, diplomacy and international law, noting recent geopolitical disturbances affecting Caribbean air travel, tourism and trade.
He also disclosed that Cabinet had approved a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the United States establishing a framework for potential co-operation on third-country nationals, stressing that no agreement has been signed and no details are finalised. “I will always put you first and act in the best interest of the people of our beloved country,” Pierre assured.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged citizens to reject misinformation and use social media responsibly. “Together, we will continue to build a Saint Lucia that is fairer, stronger, safer, and more prosperous,” he said.
