St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has made clear that his new administration will be defined by discipline, accountability, and a renewed focus on people-centered leadership, as he unveiled a refreshed Cabinet following the December 1 general election.
Speaking at a ceremony at the House of Parliament on December 12, 11 days after his Saint Lucia Labour Party was returned to power, Pierre introduced new ministerial portfolios and set firm expectations for those selected to serve alongside him.
Rooting his remarks in faith, Pierre said Scripture guided his decisions, quoting Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” He said the mandate received from voters now obliges the government to “move forward together.”
Describing the election outcome as both “historic” and “overwhelming,” Pierre said he fully appreciates the responsibility placed on his administration. While acknowledging that forming the Cabinet was challenging due to the depth of talent within his party, he expressed confidence in the team he assembled.
“I am pleased, and I am sure the public will be pleased with the composition of the Cabinet,” Pierre said. “It will be able to successfully drive the Government’s agenda over this new term.”
However, the Prime Minister stressed that the new term will be performance-driven, with no room for complacency.
“Ministers within my Cabinet will be expected to conduct themselves with the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and effectiveness,” he said, noting that the Cabinet’s structure is not permanent. “Changes will be made when and whenever necessary, and particularly if ministers do not live up to their responsibilities.”
One notable absence from the Cabinet was former Minister of Agriculture Alfred Prospere, whom Pierre praised for his “stellar work.” He explained that constitutional provisions related to the Deputy Speaker prevented Prospere’s reappointment at this time, but assured that “as soon as the legal barriers have been overcome, high consideration will be given for his return.”
Pierre also thanked former Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony for stepping in as Deputy Speaker “when it was most needed,” and said the government intends to continue drawing on the experience of former ministers who are no longer in active politics.
Addressing questions about his own expanded responsibilities — which include Constituency Development and People Empowerment alongside Finance and National Security — Pierre said the decision was intentional.
“It simply means that this government, and this Prime Minister, put people first,” he said.
Cabinet roles maintained
Moses Jn Baptiste has been reappointed as Minister for Health and Wellness, with the nutrition portfolio added to his responsibilities. Pierre identified non-communicable diseases as a major national concern, noting that “part of that problem is because of our eating habits and our lifestyles.”
Stephenson King and Alva Baptiste also retained their previous portfolios. King remains responsible for the Public Service, Transport, Information, and Utilities Regulations, while Baptiste continues as Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs.
Significant portfolio changes
The Public Service, Labour, and Gender Affairs portfolio has been split, with Labour and Gender Affairs combined with Equity, Social Justice, and Consumer Welfare under the leadership of Emma Hippolyte.
Kenson Casimir has been reappointed with an expanded portfolio that now includes Digital Transformation and Education, in addition to Youth Development and Sports.
Wayne Girard, previously a minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, has been appointed a minister with responsibility for Economic Development and the Youth Economy. The Finance portfolio is now held by Prime Minister Pierre.
Ernest Hilaire retains his role as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, with the Commerce portfolio added to his responsibilities.
Jeremiah Norbert has been appointed Minister for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, and Persons with Disabilities. A new Cabinet responsibility — Conflict Resolution — has also been added to his portfolio, while his previous role in the Office of the Prime Minister has been removed.
Joachim Andre Henry, formerly Minister for Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, no longer holds a ministerial portfolio.
Climate Change has been established as a new Cabinet responsibility and assigned to Lisa Jawahir as part of her role as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security.
Dr. Shanda Lee Harracksingh, who contested the Micoud South seat in the general election and secured 41.4 per cent of the vote, has been appointed a Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. Pierre said the role will allow her to work across ministries. Harracksingh has also been named a senator and is expected to be formally appointed in the coming days.
Several portfolios held in the previous administration were not addressed during the ceremony, including Sustainable Development, Technology, Vocational Training, Manufacturing, Business Development, and Elderly Affairs.
