Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is poised to unveil his reconfigured ministerial team on Friday, December 12, following his Saint Lucia Labour Party’s decisive electoral victory on December 1. The announcement comes one week after Pierre’s formal swearing-in ceremony on December 5, which marked the beginning of his second consecutive term in office.
In a significant restructuring of governmental responsibilities, Prime Minister Pierre has incorporated two additional ministries into his already extensive portfolio. Beyond maintaining his crucial roles as Minister for Finance, National Security and Justice, he will now directly oversee the newly established Ministry of Constituency Development and the Ministry of People Empowerment. This expansion of executive authority demonstrates Pierre’s hands-on approach to governance and his emphasis on grassroots development.
The fate of the Youth Economy portfolio, which Pierre personally managed during his initial term, remains uncertain. Political observers are monitoring whether this ministry will be assigned to another cabinet member or integrated within the broader framework of the People Empowerment ministry. This decision will signal the administration’s prioritization of youth development programs.
Notably, Pierre’s first-term government comprised 13 elected parliamentarians who all received ministerial appointments, supplemented by two independent candidates who were granted full ministerial status despite their non-party affiliation. Two unsuccessful Saint Lucia Labour Party candidates were appointed to junior ministerial positions in that administration.
Entering his second term with strengthened parliamentary presence, Pierre now commands the support of 14 elected party members alongside the two independent representatives, potentially allowing for more diverse ministerial appointments while maintaining the government’s legislative majority.