Hilaire convened a press conference on Wednesday morning to address claims by reporter Eldrise Charles that he pushed her out of the Parliament Building on August 19th, ahead of a House sitting.
Charles announced on Monday, during a call to the radio programme Newsspin, that Hilaire had been charged and that the matter was set for hearing on December 4th, 2025.
“Fresh off Allen Chastanet’s humiliating loss at the CCJ, the UWP is up to its old tricks and is once again trying to take Saint Lucians for fools,” Hilaire said. “We have another false allegation, another waste of precious time and resources in our judicial system, another attempt to damage our nation for selfish goals.”
Hilaire maintained that the allegation has no factual basis and explained that upon learning of the complaint, he voluntarily attended an interview with Inspector George Clarke of the Criminal Investigation Department.
According to Hilaire, the complainant identified him during that process, after which the officer informed him that the case file would be forwarded “for a decision to be made on any action to be taken.”
Hilaire accused the investigating officer of political bias. “He is none other than Inspector Clarke, who is alleged to be a known UWP operative,” he claimed. “My first encounter with him was in the 2021 elections when he tried to stop an SLP meeting in Anse La Raye, and I stood up to him.”
The Deputy Prime Minister further alleged that Clarke had been overheard “in a public place and embroiled in a heated argument with others about me” just days before the charge was filed. “It would be interesting when he appears in court for the inspector to answer a few questions,” Hilaire said. “Who did he forward the case file to? The Commissioner? The DPP? Or was he on a frolic of his own?”
Hilaire also questioned the motivation behind the criminal complaint, suggesting it was designed to generate publicity.
“Please tell me, how many people make media rounds to announce they had received a summons for a court case?” he asked. “Why pursue a criminal case instead of a civil one if she wanted redress? Simply put, this is a political matter with a political purpose.”
The Deputy Prime Minister maintained that he has not interfered in the process. “From the beginning of this matter, there has been no political interference or intimidation in the proceedings from my side,” he said. However, he cautioned that “no individual should use the power of their position to abuse law and order for partisan political purposes.”
Hilaire accused the opposition United Workers Party of orchestrating the controversy to distract from national progress. “These accusations are an attempt to deceive and manipulate the Saint Lucian people,” he said. “The UWP seems to believe voters can be easily taken for fools. They are wrong.”
Geraine Georges, Public Relations Manager at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, praised the initiative for merging philanthropy with the island’s adventure and wellness brand.
“Just seeing how passionate the athletes were about contributing to the Special Care Baby Unit spoke volumes,” Georges said. “Having toured the hospital with them and witnessing the impact of their efforts, we truly appreciate their contribution. For us, it’s also about marrying adventure with wellness, from hiking across the island to kayaking and running, all of it showcases Saint Lucia as a destination that not only inspires, but also cares.”
Karen Zacca, Director of Operations at the Sandals Foundation, highlighted the power of collaboration across the tourism network.
“There is strength in the tourism industry’s ability to effect real and sustainable change,” Zacca said. “We are honored to connect with our incredible local and international partners to make this event a reality. Today, we witnessed global love for Saint Lucia and the children of the Caribbean.”
Local partners supporting the Island Challenge included CPJ Saint Lucia, Island Routes, Harris Paints International, Caribbean Metals, Superior Tours, Carnival Sailing, Excel Signs, Amicus Legal, Nico Tours, Grew Industries 1989 Ltd., Acado Saint Lucia, Golden Egg Farms, RJB Hotel Supplies, and Heineken.
International partners included British Airways, Mobile Media, Mail Metro Media Group, RedPill, Accord Marketing, TTG Media, TripAdvisor, Hays Travel, Hearst, Threadneedle Media, The InPrint Group, EightandFour, Air Canada Vacations, and WeTransfer.
The Island Challenge, first launched in Antigua and Barbuda in 2023 and held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024, continues to demonstrate how endurance, compassion, and collaboration can translate into real impact, uniting tourism, community, and healthcare for a stronger, healthier Caribbean.