Castries – Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre Thursday unveiled a 13-member Cabinet that included Stephenson King, a former senior member of the last government, who quit to contest the July 26 general elections as an independent candidate.
In addition, Pierre also announced that another independent candidate, Richard Frederick, who was booted out of the now opposition United Workers Party (UWP) would be part of his administration and urged St Lucians to “journey with us on this exciting journey to improve the quality of life of the people of St Lucia”.
“It is a task that together we can achieve. Our government will listen to the people and we will always put them first. It is our pledge. I call on all men and women of goodwill to join us [and] put our country first. Our country does not belong to any individual or political party. It is ours to cherish, to grow for generations yet born,” Pierre told the ceremony that was also attended by Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the current chairman of the 15-member regional integration grouping, Caribbeaan Community (CARICOM).
Pierre also told the swearing in ceremony that former prime minister Dr Kenny Anthony, 70, had turned down an invitation to join the government as a senior minister with a portfolio “that would interest him” because of pending surgery and outstanding legal affairs, but would reconsider another approach in six months’ time.
“It is my hope that given Dr Anthony’s undisputed experience, knowledge and skills, he will help to shape the policies of the government and mentor the young inexperienced ministers in our cabinet.
“I wish to make it clear Dr Anthny will not be receiving the salary of a minister during the period in question and will continue to receive the emoluments normally paid to Members of Parliament,” Pierre said.
Regarding the appointment of King, who served as the island’s prime minister from 2007-2011 and Frederick, an attorney, who also served in a previous UWP administration, Pierre said that he had to take into consideration the role they played during the campaign in “helping the St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) secure an overwhelming victory at the recent general elections”.
“I have offered ministerial appointments to both candidates. In both instances, the will of the people has been clear and emphatic and should never go unnoticed,” he said, noting that both men have held ministerial portfolios in the past and “I look forward to the benefit their ministerial experiences in charting a new and inclusive path on the governance of the country and in securing the hopes and aspirations of the St Lucian people.
‘Their inclusion, though not members of the St. Lucia Labour Party, in my Cabinet is to signal that my government will be nothing else but a government of the people and for all the people. I hope together we can serve the people of St Lucia well.”
He said that his administration is aware of what it will take to make life better for the citizens, “in these unprecedented difficult times to stay true to our promises”.
“Deliver we will or to paraphrased the super star 50 Cents, we will die trying,” he added. (CMC)
