The government of Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) hold vastly different views regarding Friday’s controversial Senate sitting. Opposition Leader Philip J. Pierre announced Sunday that the SLP is considering “legal action” in relation to the COVID-19 (Prevention and Control) Bill, which was passed at the sitting— following the swearing in of three female senators, Angelina Polius, Jacinta Lee and Marcella Johnson.
“We are considering all our options, including legal action. We have meetings with our lawyers because we believe that the government behaved in a very dictatorial and vindictive manner. There was no need for the prime minister to rush with that bill, even after he was asked for consultation by civil society groups, that have absolutely no link with the Labour Party,” Pierre told reporters at the SLP’s protest on Sunday.
“We think the prime minister was vindictive and dictatorial; we have to put a stop to this. This country is a democracy, it’s not a kingdom. the prime minister cannot believe he can do whatever he wants, and from today when the prime minister disobeys, we’re going to put people on the streets.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has described the Senate sitting as a “historic and proud moment.” Writing on his Facebook page, Chastanet said: “I congratulate our New Government Senator Honourable Phera Polius on her appointment and welcome her to the Senate. Her first delivery to the House was well thought out and inspired and I know you agree that we all look forward to the future stirling contributions she will make.
“I also recognize that the last Senate sitting was an historic and proud moment in that we had for the first time five female Senators and of course our Esteemed President of the Senate, making it six women in the Senate. Join me in recognizing this moment and celebrating all women in Saint Lucia who are making a contribution at all levels,” Chastanet wrote.
