Address to the Nation, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Minister for Finance, Justice, National Security, Constituency Development and People Empowerment
Fellow Saint Lucians, as we welcome a new year, I extend warm New Year’s greetings to you and your families, at home and abroad. I do so with a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and responsibility. On December 1, you exercised your democratic right and renewed your confidence in the government of the Saint Lucia Labour Party. I thank you sincerely for that trust.
Elections are never just about victory or defeat; they are about the direction a people choose. Your overwhelming choice reaffirmed a shared belief in fairness, inclusion, stability, and progress. The choice reaffirmed our collective resolve to move forward together with love and compassion. You rejected bitterness, divisiveness, hatred and anger.
As we begin 2026, it is appropriate to reflect on how far we have come and to look honestly and confidently at the road ahead. When we assumed office in 2021, Saint Lucia, like the rest of the world, was emerging from major disruption. We faced unprecedented economic uncertainty, rising global prices, and deep social strain. Yet, together, we chose resilience over despair, unity over division, and people-centred governance over indifference.
Over the past four years, we have worked deliberately to stabilise the economy, protect the most vulnerable, and rebuild opportunity.
Our economy has recovered, jobs have returned, unemployment has dropped to its lowest level, and confidence has been restored. But more importantly, we have remained guided by a single principle: government must work for people.
Healthcare
In healthcare, we delivered on a long-standing national promise. The commissioning of the new St Jude hospital marked a turning point for healthcare in the south and our national health system.
Over the last term, we have built and upgraded health facilities, strengthened primary care, expanded wellness services, and increased access to screening and treatment for chronic illnesses. These investments are not abstract. They have saved lives, supported families, and affirmed dignity.
This year, St Jude hospital will be fully commissioned to receive patients. We will commence work on the fifth finger of the OKEU hospital, continue renovation and expansion of the Wellness Centres and most importantly, we will continue the implementation of the Universal Health Care programme.
Education
In 2026, education will continue to be the main driver for transformational change and poverty reduction. We will modernise the system by increasing the use of technology in schools, creating more smart classrooms and expanding the reach of Technical Vocational, Special and Universal Early Childhood Education.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure remains a cornerstone of our development strategy. Roads, bridges, water systems, housing projects, and transport facilities continue to improve across the island. These projects create jobs today and unlock tomorrow’s growth. We are modernising our ports and airports, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring that development reaches communities that have long been neglected.
In 2026, infrastructure work will continue on the Control Tower, together with the start of the construction of the Hewannorra International Airport Terminal Building. The upgrade of the Julian R. Hunte Highway will commence, and the expansion and improvement of the Vieux Secieux road will be completed.
The rehabilitation of Berth 4 at Port Castries is scheduled to start soon. Housing developments at Talvern and Rockhall will continue, with the construction of the Vieux Fort Administrative Complex scheduled to start before long.
Young men at risk
While most of our young people remain positive and focused, I continue to lament the loss of some young men to gangs and deviant behaviour. Several initiatives will be implemented to keep our young men away from anti-social activities and to allow them to become productive citizens.
Our country will continue to be a lesser place if we allow our young men to exist outside the laws and norms of a civil society. The enhancement of the Youth Economy is, in part, intended to provide opportunities for those young men at risk to monetise their talents and creativity, enabling them to support themselves and become productive citizens.
During my budget policy address later this year, I will announce several initiatives aimed at giving support to young men to allow them to upskill and make a more meaningful contribution to society.
The environment
The defacement of our physical environment with abandoned buildings, derelict vehicles and unwanted household appliances, apart from being unsightly, is a health and security hazard. In the spirit of environmental responsibility, I call on the public to stop these unsavoury practices for the good of our country.
This year, we will enact the St. Lucia Unplanned Development Regularisation Authority Bill to facilitate the regularisation of unplanned developments.
Ease of doing business
Last year, our business community experienced growth and expansion, demonstrating their confidence in the future of the Saint Lucian economy.
My administration is committed to providing the necessary support for a more productive private sector. Improvements to the Ease of Doing Business is an area that lends itself to government support.
We will, therefore, redouble our efforts through the reconfigured ministry of tourism and commerce to work more closely with the private sector to ensure that the rehabilitation of the Castries Cargo Port is completed at the earliest.
In addition, together with the private sector, we will work to streamline procedures for the clearing of goods from the ports to be more efficient and timely.
As it relates to the use of technology, government will promote the responsible use of technology and Artificial Intelligence to help transform government processes and education. We are committed to building a modern, technology-driven Saint Lucia, one where government services are more efficient, businesses are more competitive, and young people are equipped for careers in technology, innovation and the global digital economy. This is not about replacing people with machines; it is about empowering people with tools.
We will also continue protecting workers and families through social protection, job security measures, and targeted support when global conditions create hardship. At the same time, we will continue to confront crime and violence with even greater resolve, by strengthening law enforcement while addressing the social conditions that give rise to crime and violence.
This year, we will advance plans for the introduction of an unemployment insurance programme, while encouraging retooling for our workers.
I am under no illusion that the road ahead will be challenging. Global uncertainty, climate threats, and economic pressures remain real.
Recent developments in our wider hemisphere have underscored that reality. Events in Venezuela have reverberated across the Caribbean, disrupting air travel, affecting trade and tourism, and creating unsettling concerns for small open economies like ours.
Geo-political events
In response to these recent geopolitical events, Saint Lucia has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, and the principles of international law that protect all nations, large and small. Saint Lucia, as a member of CARICOM, stands committed to the principles of CARICOM. We believe that stability is best secured through dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for established international norms. We will continue to work with our regional partners to safeguard the Caribbean as a zone of peace.
Saint Lucia’s foreign policy remains rooted in diplomacy, co-operation and mutually beneficial shared interests.
Potential transfer of certain third-country nationals present in the United States
In this regard, the cabinet of ministers has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government of Saint Lucia and the government of the United States to accept the present in the United States. This agreement is non-binding and is at the complete discretion of both governments.
This MOU establishes a framework for co-operation and does not trigger any immediate transfer and future engagements. This MOU is orderly, transparent and consistent with the laws, policies and national interest of Saint Lucia.
Let me make it clear that no agreement has been signed and no details are available. As I have always done on matters of national interest, I will provide all relevant and applicable information to the citizens of Saint Lucia.
I expect that there will be those who are supportive and those who are against providing such support to the United States, but I ask that you rest assured that I will always put you first and act in the best interest of the people of our beloved country, no matter how difficult the decisions may be.
Let me assure Saint Lucians that, as of today, there has been no information given to the government of Saint Lucia regarding any changes in the United States’ visa policy for Saint Lucians wishing to travel to the United States.
Conclusion
Our future prosperity cannot be secured by government alone, but the destructive behaviour of a critical mass can bring about harm to all of us.
I plead for the responsible use of social media. Social media should not be used as a tool for misinformation, for slander and for the denigration of citizens, private or public. While misinformation may appear to hurt political opponents, in the final analysis, it is the country that suffers.
This year, let us recommit to unity, respect, and shared responsibility. Let us reject cynicism and embrace opportunities. Let us care for the most vulnerable by empowering them, and create opportunities for future generations.
I thank you once again for your trust, your patience, and your support. Together, we will continue to build a Saint Lucia that is fairer, stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
Let us work to make Saint Lucia the best place to live and work for all. God bless you. God bless Saint Lucia.
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