Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has swiftly dismissed the United Workers Party’s (UWP) recently unveiled Youth SOS Plan, labeling key proposals as “almost ludicrous,” “ironic,” and devoid of “any basis in reality.” Speaking at a pre-Cabinet press briefing on Monday, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) leader delivered a detailed rebuttal, questioning the practicality of the opposition’s seven-part youth empowerment strategy and highlighting perceived contradictions in their track record. The UWP’s plan includes initiatives such as a Mortgage Guarantee Programme, Digital Economy Development, Expansion of the National Youth Council, Appointment of Youth Ambassadors, Grants of up to $25,000 for youth businesses, a Dedicated Dennery Segment event, and Youth inclusion in major policy decisions. Pierre first addressed the Dennery Segment event proposal, calling it “almost ludicrous” given the UWP’s past criticisms of the genre. He expressed support for initiatives benefiting the Dennery Segment but questioned the opposition’s sincerity. Pierre also criticized the UWP’s previous restructuring of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival as a “downgrade.” Regarding the $25,000 youth business grants, he noted the irony of the UWP promoting such initiatives after previously criticizing the Youth Economy Agency. Pierre emphasized that his administration pioneered youth grants and highlighted existing efforts, such as issuing a diplomatic passport to Olympic Champion Julien Alfred to showcase Saint Lucian excellence abroad. On the digital economy, Pierre pointed to his government’s progress, including cybersecurity training and the One Laptop per Child initiative. He also questioned the feasibility of the Mortgage Guarantee Programme, asking who would serve as the guarantor and outlining existing measures to support homeownership. Concluding his response, Pierre dismissed the UWP’s plan as unrealistic, stating, “I think these promises are what they are – promises. They have no basis in reality.”