Phillip Joseph Pierre was sworn in Friday as St. Lucia’s 12th prime minister since the island attained political independence from Britain in 1979, promising to continue the polices of his previous administration that resonated with the vast majority of voters in Monday’s general election.
‘I am excited and optimistic about the future of St. Lucia. I pledge to do my best for the development of my country. It is with humility and honour that I accept the mantle of Prime Minister for a second term,’ Pierre said after he was sworn into office by Governor General, Sir Errol Charles at his official residence on the Morne, overlooking the capital.
Also present at the ceremonies were the prime ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis as well former St. Vincent and the Grenadines prime minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
In his acceptance speech, the 71-year-old Pierre, who became the ninth person to be sworn in as a head of government since independence, said he was happy to be addressing the country ‘in the right mood’ after he led his St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to a convincing victory, winning 14 of the 17 seats in the Parliament.