I am not in the business of getting involved in people's personal lives,” explained Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre on Monday.
The Prime Minister says political leaders and influential persons in the society should use their platforms to engender more thoughtful national debates on issues confronting the country.
According to PM Pierre, the country confronts crucial daily challenges which should take centre stage at political gatherings, as opposed to political operatives using their influence to launch personal attacks at each other.
Said Prime Minister Pierre to the press pool: “Can I lead a country down there? No. There are too many important things to deal with. There are too many challenges. There are too many real challenges as a country we have to deal with – things beyond our control that we have to fight. We have to fight to ensure that the gains, the little gains we have, can maintain it.”
Pierre’s comments on Monday, June 23 follow a June 22nd public meeting of the United Workers’ Party in Gros Islet. There, political leader of the UWP and Leader of the Opposition, Allen Chastanet, remarked that there are “stories” about government ministers.
“I know that in Castries North there was a Stephenson Queen,” he had said, referring to Castries North MP Stephenson King.
“I've heard stories about Castries South. Now you're telling me he's a bolonm, but I know he has another friend, right? The lawyer. What was his name? Thaddeus Antoine. I'm not going to repeat all the stories,” he continued, now referring to Castries South MP Dr. Ernest Hilaire.
Finally, he said: “When I was in Castries Central, the name I was hearing was Federica,” this time, referring to Castries Central MP Richard Frederick.
Despite Chastanet’s talk of “stories”, Pierre says the government remains focused on matters confronting the state.
“You know what may happen to our tourism industry? With all the changes in travel and visa restrictions, what will happen to it? These are the things I have to think of. I can't think of this low-down foolishness that comes out of the United Workers Party platform. I can't, and I will not.”