Among the major announcements was confirmation that two loan agreements USD 20 million from the OPEC Fund for International Development and USD 13 million from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development have been signed to finance the long-awaited expansion of the Julian R. Hunte Highway (formerly the Castries–Gros Islet Highway).
Senior Minister for Infrastructure Stephenson King revealed that the financing process has been completed and construction will begin soon.
“We have been working with the Prime Minister leading the charge with the Kuwait Fund and OPEC for the financing of that highway,” King explained. “Two weeks ago, Mr. PM, we got the good news that the funds have been approved, and work will start in a very short space of time.”
King emphasized that the new project replaces the previous administration’s incomplete plans with a fully financed, modernized approach. “When you hear these people speak about us abandoning projects, we abandoned the nonsense they were doing up there,” he said. “But we have gone through the process of dealing with those situations.”
The project, which will widen the highway from Choc Bridge to Gros Islet, includes new roundabouts, pedestrian bridges, and enhanced drainage systems to improve traffic flow and safety along one of Saint Lucia’s busiest transport arteries.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre defended his decision to include both King and Frederick former United Workers Party (UWP) ministers in his administration, following persistent criticism from the Opposition.
“They say Richard is fighting us; Richard walked out of the cabinet; Richard wants to be the Prime Minister; Richard telling me what to do,” Pierre said. “But in the cabinet, Richard Frederick is one of the most respectful ministers.”
Pierre described Frederick as firm yet loyal in discussions. “When you say to Richard, ‘chief, we going this way,’ he’ll say to you, ‘I don’t agree with you, chief, I don’t think you should do it.’ But since you say we
going there, all of us going there,” Pierre said, highlighting Frederick’s adherence to collective responsibility.
Castries Central MP Richard Frederick, who joined the Pierre-led administration after the 2021 general election, told constituents that his performance would ultimately be judged by the people.
“The time is now for the Prime Minister to write my report book and to tell the people whether he has any regrets in bringing Richard Frederick into his cabinet,” Frederick declared. “I have done the examination, and the report book will be written on election day.”
He added, “If you believe I have performed well, I will avail myself for further service to you and the people of Saint Lucia.”
The joint town hall showcased rare political harmony among three powerful figures from the Castries region.