Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J Pierre has described as shameful criticisms from opposition groups over the recent visit to the country by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.
In a speech to mark the nation’s 2025 Emancipation Day in Castries on August 1, Pierre strongly condemned the backlash against the visit of the Nigerian President, describing the criticism as “shameful and disgraceful”.
According to him, the opposition’s tacit support of such behavior reflected deeper issues of self-hate and a failure to respect African leadership.
His words: “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 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 Prime Minister 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,” he declared.
Pierre emphasised 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 stressed 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,” St Lucia PM further said.
Deji Elumoye
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