Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip Pierre Defends President Tinubu’s Visit, Slams Critics as Politically and Psychologically Misguided
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia has issued a passionate defense of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the island nation, denouncing the wave of criticism that followed as both unjust and deeply rooted in colonial-era prejudices. Describing the backlash as “shameful and disgraceful,” Prime Minister Pierre condemned what he believes to be politically charged attacks influenced by lingering mental chains of self-doubt and inferiority imposed during centuries of slavery.
Philip Pierre’s Thoughts about Tinubu’s Visit
Delivering his remarks in Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia, during the official 2025 Emancipation Day address, Pierre directly addressed the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s visit. He took aim at detractors whom he claimed were motivated by partisan political interests and subtly backed by opposition elements seeking to score cheap political points. According to Pierre, the criticism reflects a much larger and more concerning issue: the internalized legacy of slavery that still affects how some in the Caribbean view African leaders and people of African descent.
“The attacks and negative commentary directed at President Bola Tinubu by certain politically motivated individuals—comments which appear to be passively endorsed by the opposition—are a disturbing reflection of a psychological condition rooted in our historical experience of slavery,” the Prime Minister stated. “This is a form of self-hate inherited from colonial subjugation, where African identity is still viewed through the lens of inferiority. That kind of mindset is not only unacceptable but represents a serious obstacle to our progress as a people.”
Pierre emphasized that had the visiting head of state come from a Western or non-African nation, the public and political reception would have been notably different—perhaps even celebratory. He highlighted what he sees as a troubling double standard and urged Saint Lucians to recognize and overcome such subconscious biases.
Philip Pierre’s Statement
Speaking to the importance of President Tinubu’s visit, Pierre described the occasion as a significant milestone in Saint Lucia’s diplomatic history. He emphasized that hosting Nigeria’s head of state should be viewed as an honour and a major step forward in strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationships between the two nations.
“To the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Pierre said, “we in Saint Lucia are deeply honoured by President Tinubu’s visit. It represents not just a diplomatic gesture, but a reaffirmation of the bonds of brotherhood that connect us across continents. We are committed to building stronger ties—social, cultural, and economic—with Nigeria and the broader African continent.”
The Prime Minister went on to reveal that President Tinubu’s trip was not merely ceremonial. During the visit, several key memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed between the governments of Nigeria and Saint Lucia, as well as with other member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). These MOUs are aimed at fostering cooperation across multiple sectors including education, economic development, cultural exchange, and social advancement.
“My government will ensure that the agreements reached are not just symbolic but are implemented in real and tangible ways that benefit our people,” Pierre affirmed. “We are committed to translating these understandings into actionable outcomes at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Pierre reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to Pan-African ideals and unity among people of African descent worldwide. He called on Saint Lucians to move beyond the mental remnants of colonialism and embrace their shared heritage with pride, dignity, and a renewed commitment to global African solidarity.
