Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is standing firm by his decision not to approve the appointment of former parliamentarian and independent election candidate Jeannine Compton-Antoine to the post of director at the Saint Lucia National Trust. At the organisation’s AGM on November 16, it was announced that after a rigorous process Ms. Compton-Antoine was selected pending the appropriate minister’s approval. Ahead of Tuesday’s House sitting, Chastanet was questioned by reporters regarding his decision. “Based on the current situation at the National Trust,” he said, “I don’t believe that she would be the best person to lead that organisation at this time.”
The prime minister said an ideal candidate for the job should not have political baggage, should have conservation experience, and be commercially inclined to marry conservation and development. A former member of the incumbent party, Compton-Antoine resigned to controversially contest the 2016 general election, only to be beaten by the UWP’s Gale Rigobert. Asked whether he considered the Trust at this time an impediment to development, Chastanet cited their opposition to the government’s planned demolition of the long deserted prison in Castries. It is the government’s intention to construct a hall of justice and new police headquarters on the site.
He questioned why, when the Bordelais Correction Facility was constructed, the bodies buried at the ancient prison site were not exhumed and the remains transferred to the new site, according to law. “Why was there no expressed concern then? Why only now when a vital project has been proposed?” Nevertheless, the prime minister acknowledged the importance of the Trust’s voice on conservation matters. On the other hand, he pointed out, also important are the voices of poverty, youth, security and health, inter alia.
Meanwhile at a December 2 press conference, the Trust announced that Mrs. Compton-Antoine had been hired in a senior management position, even as the campaign goes on to have her appointed director. Opposition Leader Philip J. Pierre charges that again “vindictiveness” is at play. By his yardstick Compton-Antoine is capable, qualified and the best person for the job. He added: “Sir John is the man who made Allen Chastanet a minister for tourism. If they can treat Jeannine like that, you can imagine what they can do me or you. It is the vindictiveness of the government. It’s purely vindictive.”
Others politically opposed to Pierre’s expressed views point out that if Compton-Antoine had been hired on the basis of her deceased father’s contributions to the UWP “Pierre would’ve been first to bleat about the government’s special treatment of friends and family. The Labour Party is famous for turning every government effort into a political football match. Besides, when did the SLP suddenly fall in love with the Compton family? Remember the night an SLP mob invaded their Vigie residence when the man of the house was absent?”
Bishnu Tulsie, who has served as the Trust’s director from 2005, was due to retire but will remain at the helm until the end of January next year. The option to further extend his stay remains on the table.
