The Deputy PM responded to the Constitutional question raised by the Opposition regarding the government’s amendment to allow a citizen who is not an MP to be appointed as Deputy Speaker.

The amendment, which was finalised in March of 2023, altered section 36 of the Constitution. Chastanet, on the other hand, contends that the government's amendment is incomplete without a further alteration to section 31.

The Deputy Prime Minister says the government holds a different position. If forwarded to the Court of Appeal, he adds that the government will adhere to their suggestions.

“We have a difference of opinion with him on it. In his letter, he suggested that the Court of Appeal be asked for an opinion. We have no difficulty in doing so. He's already speaking about the breach of the Constitution. There will be no breach of the Constitution by the Saint Lucia Labour Party,” the DPM said.

Hilaire outlined the Opposition’s own shortcomings, as the Chastanet-led Administration failed to appoint a Deputy Speaker during their term.

“This is the leader of the opposition who did not appoint a deputy speaker for five years in breach of the Constitution. So I think we've all learned our lessons about that. We have no intentions of breaching the Constitution- that the people of Saint Lucia can be assured of.”

Should the Courts require a further amendment, Hilaire says, the government will oblige.

“We will ask for an opinion of the Courts and if they find we should take any further action, we will do so.”