Over the past two weekends, we have witnessed the devastating consequences of gun violence, resulting in the untimely deaths of nine young people. This epidemic of violence is a unacceptable and demands our urgent attention and collective action. We must first acknowledge the profound grief and pain experienced by the families and loved ones of the victims. These senseless acts…
Saint Lucians are already grappling with the challenges of an escalating cost of living. From soaring prices in grocery stores to increasing utility bills, citizens are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. The introduction of Philip J Pierre’s new tax on goods and services only adds to their financial burdens, forcing them to tighten their belts even further…
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre’s insistence on implementing the 2.5% tax on goods and services showcases a lack of empathy for struggling and poor Saint Lucians. By overlooking the disproportionate impact on vulnerable segments of society, he fails to prioritize their welfare and disregards alternative approaches that could achieve the desired fiscal goals without exacerbating their hardships. As leaders, it…
Whilst Saint Lucia continues to face unprecedented levels of crime and violence, those who were elected seem to be adding more fuel to the fire. A few days ago, Yardie, a notoriously troubled talk show host, expressed his desire for violence and death to befall the adversaries of Castries Central MP Richard Frederick. In response, the Minister acknowledges Yardie’s statement…
Senator Herod Stanislas has voiced his concerns and called out Soufriere MP Emma Hippolyte for neglecting the Factory Road Vending Facility which was started during his tenure as MP under the Village Tourism Project. Despite being in power for two years, the current administration, led by the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), has failed to undertake any additional work on…
The United Workers Party (UWP) expresses deep concern over the recently held strike action taken by doctors at the Owen King EU Hospital, primarily driven by the unavailability of gratuity payments upon the expiration of their contracts on March 31st, 2023, among several other pertinent issues. The party questions how a country with a Prime Minister boasting significant economic growth,…
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre faces a critical juncture in his tenure, with public faith in the National Security Ministry dwindling due to its perceived incompetence and mismanagement. The escalating crime rates demand a swift response and proactive measures to restore safety and security to our communities. It is imperative for the Prime Minister to address this pressing issue and…
As if the events leading up to IMPACS, and its expensive consequences, had not done enough harm to the image of Saint Lucia world-wide, a most frightening prospect now further threatens our crime-besieged nation. If a video clip on the internet, featuring Central Castries MP Richard Frederick, is anything to go by, then a new day has dawned for our…
Unlike traditional VAT, which is applied as a percentage of the final sale price of goods or services, the 2.5% tax introduced by Prime Minister Pierre compounds on top of other taxes such as VAT. Tax Scenario #1: Item costs $100.00 with 15% VAT the total cost would be $115.00 Tax Scenario #2: Item costs $100.00 + 12.5% VAT brings…
Remember that time when Ernest Hilaire used his Duty Free Allowance as High Commissioner to by the first Range Rover for his brother Paul? Well Ernest’s favorite brother Paul Hilaire who was previously recalled from retirement when the SLP assumed office has now been made a Permanent Secretary in a Ministry headed by Prime Minister Philip J Pierre. More jobs…