St. Lucia PM defends meeting with US President

CASTRIES, St. Lucia,  CMC – On Tuesday, St. Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet defended his decision to meet with United States President Donald Trump on the ongoing economic and political situation in Venezuela, saying “at the end of the day I was elected by St. Lucians to represent St. Lucia.”

Chastanet, along with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica, his Bahamas counterpart, Dr, Hubert Minnis and the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise held a two-hour meeting with Trump in Florida last Friday.

Meeting criticized by other Caribbean leaders

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves described the recent meeting between Trump and the four Caribbean leaders as “troubling” saying there was no true representation of the CARICOM grouping given that its current chairman and St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris had not invited to the meeting.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and his Antigua and Barbuda counterpart, Gaston Browne also commented on the meeting.

- Advertisement -

Chastanet disagrees

But Chastanet, who came to power in June 2016, told reporters he did not share Gonsalves’ concerns that the meeting was “troubling”.

“I don’t, at the end of the day I was elected by St. Lucians to represent St. Lucia,” he said, adding that the topics discussed were of national and regional importance.

He told reporters that the meeting was not a gathering for CARICOM, adding “this was a meeting by invitation by the President of the United States of America”.

He said that the United States is this island’s largest trading partner, St. Lucia’s largest diaspora and the country that offers St. Lucia the greatest opportunity for growth.

“So, if I am invited to put forward St. Lucia’s agenda, I will do so,” Chastanet told reporters, adding that he has always been ‘extremely respectful’ and will continue to be respectful on CARICOM’s positions.

Acknowledges Caribbean is divided on Venezuela issue

But Chastanet asserted that CARICOM is ‘very divided’ on the Venezuela issue as evident in the way members of the organization voted at the Organization of American States (OAS).

The Caribbean leaders invited to the meeting with Trump had in January supported the OAS resolution in not recognizing President Maduro’s second five-year term. The four countries joined members of the Lima Group that has been opposed to Maduro.

Chastanet said this is not the first time that CARICOM leaders and CARICOM countries have held different positions on issues.

“There are those who support China; there are those who support Taiwan; there are those who support the CIP (Citizenship by Investment) programs; there are those who don’t. Unanimity at CARICOM has never been a problem in terms of us working together,” Chastanet said.

He reiterated that St. Lucia believes for Venezuela to be able to ‘get on with its life’, there must be fresh elections.

More Stories

US travel ban

Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis respond to reports of US travel ban

The governments of Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis have responded to media reports suggesting that their nations are included in a draft...
imf

IMF highlights St. Lucia’s strong economic performance

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended St. Lucia’s economic recovery, citing strong growth in tourism, construction, and manufacturing. In its 2024 Article IV consultation,...
St. Lucia Prime Minister

St. Lucia records historic drop in unemployment

St. Lucia’s unemployment rate has reached a historic low, dropping to 8.8% in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to newly released data from...
St. Lucia national migration policy

St. Lucia government to develop national migration policy

The St. Lucia government has announced a partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to develop a national migration policy, aimed at strengthening...
saint lucia independence day

Saint Lucia celebrates 46 years of independence with pride and festivities

Saint Lucia marks its 46th anniversary of independence today, February 22, with a day of national pride and celebration. Citizens across the island are...
St. Lucia Prime Minister

St. Lucia gov’t announces EC$500 payment for retirees, back pay for police

St. Lucia’s government will proceed with back pay disbursements to police officers and fortnightly paid workers represented by the National Workers Union (NWU), alongside...
St. Lucia Government Forms Task Forces to Monitor Impact of US Policy Changes

St. Lucia government forms task forces to monitor impact of US policy changes

CASTRIES, St Lucia  — The government of St. Lucia has set up task forces to monitor recent policy changes by the United States, aiming...
St. Lucia Prime Minister

St. Lucia Prime Minister announces $500 bonus for public sector workers

In a move aimed at boosting the economy ahead of the holiday season, St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced that over 12,300...
Campaign-Denise-Grant

Unfair Smear! Lauderhill’s Denise Grant under political attacks

As the City of Lauderhill mayoral election approaches, frontrunner Denise Grant has found herself at the center of controversy, facing what appear to be...
Protest in Bermuda over school closures

St. Lucia to introduce Kwéyòl language in schools

The government of St. Lucia has announced the launch of a pilot program to introduce the Indigenous Kwéyòl language, also known as Creole, into...

Latest Articles

Skip to content