New Man Determined to Raise Senate Bar

On Tuesday, Saint Lucia’s senate welcomed its newest member with the swearing in of Mr. Francisco Jn Pierre. No stranger to local politics, he contested the last elections as the United Workers Party candidate for Laborie, albeit unsuccessfully. Jn Pierre replaced Dr. Ubaldus Raymond whose tenure, in the wake of controversy, ended on Monday with his resignation.  

Dr. Raymond also served as the leader of government business in the senate. Before getting down to regular business,Tuesday’s sitting opened with an acknowledgement of the resignation, and the swearing in of the new man. “It is my hope that your tenure here will be fruitful,” said the senate president after JnPierre had taken the oath. “Senator, I am sure your sojourn here with us will be enjoyable and productive, and we look forward to your contributions to the debates throughout the sessions.”

In his own brief contribution to the debate, Jn Pierre thanked the prime minister for the opportunity to serve, and pledged his support for the budget. He later told the STAR:  “The fact is, I offered myself for public service. Being unsuccessful at the elections, whatever I can do with regards to the people of Saint Lucia and my government, I will do. When I was asked by the prime minister to serve, I had no objection.” 

Jn Pierre is hopeful that he can “raise the bar”. He expressed concern about the behaviour of members of both houses, the name calling in particular. “I would love to see things done in accordance with the Standing Rules and Orders,” he added. “There is no need to create animosity.” In the 2016 general elections, current MP for Laborie Alva Baptiste defeated Jn Pierre by 626 votes. Asked if he intended to risk being bitten twice, he said: “There is always a process when it comes to choosing election candidates. Besides, this is a matter for the people of Laborie to decide.”