The Prime Minister made this remark during a ceremony to mark the compensation of semi-pro athletes, highlighting the importance of youth and sports development.

“During the opening, I pledged that I’d make some money available from my salary for the footballers who study while they’re playing football. I’ll give them some level of compensation if they’re doing their CXCs or any type of academic education - that promise still holds,” PM Pierre promised.

In his 30 years of active politics, Pierre, the MP for Castries East, notes that his Administration has invested the most into youth development and sports.

Pierre says by the end of his first term, the government would have spent over $100 million in youth development - factoring in sports, youth projects and the youth economy.

“This government has invested more in the young people of Saint Lucia - in the present and in the past. My calculations tell me that by the time this term is over, we’d have invested over $100 million in the young people of Saint Lucia.”

The Prime Minister says he will allocate funds to market and expose the importance of the Semi-Pro League, stating that youth need to be more enthusiastic about the developments in the country.

“There needs to be more hype around these football games…we need to promote the games more. We need people to be excited about sports, football and things that are happening in this country,” Pierre said.

Dozens of semi-pro footballers are due to receive a monthly stipend, training and travel allowance as the Saint Lucia Football Season advances.