Saint Lucia PM defends Tinubu’s visit, calls out opposition’s ‘disgraceful’ backlash

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip Pierre has strongly condemned the opposition’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s June visit, describing it as “shameful” and driven by a slavery mentality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia on June 29 aimed to strengthen ties with the Caribbean and promote South-South cooperation.

Despite its historic significance, the visit faced backlash from certain groups in Saint Lucia.

In his Emancipation Day speech on Monday in Castries, marking the 191st anniversary of the abolition of slavery, Pierre criticized the opposition for supporting politically motivated attacks.

He highlighted the visit’s success in fostering diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, emphasizing its symbolic importance for African unity and pride.

“The vilification and denigration of the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, by a politically motivated group, tacitly supported by the opposition party, was another demonstration of the harmful effects of the legacy of slavery: self-hate and a readiness to accept African people and their descendants as inferior,” Pierre stated.

“That behaviour was nothing short of shameful and disgraceful.”

“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 noted that several strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed during Tinubu’s visit to enhance economic, social, educational, and cultural relations with Saint Lucia and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

“I am pleased that during the visit of the President and his delegation, several memorandum understanding (MOUs) were established for fostering economic, social, educational and cultural relations with Saint Lucia and the OECS,” he said.

“My administration will do its best to ensure that those MOUs bear fruit at the earliest opportunity.”

Expressing gratitude on behalf of Saint Lucia’s government and people, Pierre reaffirmed his commitment to building stronger ties with Nigeria and other African nations.

The Prime Minister used the occasion to urge Saint Lucians to confront the lingering effects of colonialism while embracing African unity.

“As we honour the sacred memory of our ancestors, we are not only looking back, we are reaching forward,” he said.

While acknowledging Saint Lucia’s progress since 1834, Pierre noted that the legacy of slavery persists in mindsets and systems, warning that internalized inferiority and colonial values continue to divide communities and undermine self-worth.

He called for deeper collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean to advance black emancipation and development.