St. Lucian PM, Pierre defends Tinubu’s visit against opposition criticisms

August 1, 2025 August 1, 2025

  By Chesa Chesa 

Prime Minister Pierre of Saint Lucia has condemned as “shameful” the criticisms from opposition groups against the recent visit to the country by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria.

In his speech to mark the 2025 Emancipation Day in Castries on August 1, Pierre strongly condemned the backlash against the visit of the Nigerian, describing the criticism as “shameful and disgraceful”.

 He asserted that the opposition’s tacit support of such behavior reflected deeper issues of self-hate and a failure to respect African leadership.

“Had the visit been by a Head of State from another country, the reception from that group would have been at the very least respectful,” Pierre said.

He affirmed Saint Lucia’s commitment to building robust diplomatic and economic ties with Nigeria and the broader African continent, highlighting the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) during the visit.

 The St. Lucian leader used the occasion which marks the 191st anniversary of the abolition of slavery, to call on Saint Lucians to confront the lingering effects of colonialism while embracing a renewed vision of African unity, social transformation, and national pride.

“As we honour the sacred memory of our ancestors… we are not only looking back—we are reaching forward,” Pierre declared.

Pierre acknowledged that while Saint Lucians have made great strides since 1834, the psychological trauma and systemic barriers rooted in slavery continue to hinder the development of some individuals and communities.

He warned that remnants of colonial values—particularly internalized inferiority and division—still manifest in self-doubt and disrespect for African heritage.

“There remain, sadly, a few among us who have yet to understand and appreciate the need to lift our people from self-doubt and the harmful effects of colonial values,” he added.

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