Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. Photo courtesy https://www.stlucianewsonline.com/
Mr. Speaker, I stand before you in this Honourable House to once again present to the people of our country, Saint Lucia, the government’s policy statement and rationale for the plan of expenditure contained in the Estimates for 2020/2021.
I wish to first take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God and indeed the people of Saint Lucia for the honour and privilege to lead this truly wonderful country over the last four years. I am especially grateful to the people of Micoud South for their continued overwhelming confidence and support.
Mr. Speaker today is being observed as Public Service Day and I ask the Parliament to join me as we salute all employees in our public services for their continued commitment and dedication to our country. Theirs is the responsibility to translate the policies and programmes of the government into action, for the benefit of the people. It is a tremendous responsibility, one that my government hopes they will continue to execute with integrity and professionalism going forward. Mr. Speaker, this was most evident as we confronted the challenges over the last few months.
On this Public Service Day, I also pay our respects to two former outstanding public officials and Saint Lucians, who recently left us. Former Senator and Minister for Education Honourable Margerita Alexander who was laid to rest last Monday. Ms. Alexander was an educator by profession and the first woman Chairperson of the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO.
We have also lost the pioneer of music education in schools Ms. Joyce Auguste, who will be laid to rest tomorrow. Ms. Auguste has inspired generations and her contribution to chorale and folk music has been immeasurable and she was instrumental in the recording and preservation of indigenous music.
The nation is also mourning the loss of former long serving public servant and deputy Governor-General, Mr. Cornelius Lincoln Lubin (MBE) and Mr. Kenneth Foster QC, an esteemed retired criminal attorney, and a former Member of Parliament for Anse La Raye/Canaries.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Saint Lucia will remain grateful for their service and contribution to our national development. On behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia, I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to all the families of these esteemed individuals. CLICK LINK TO READ FULL ADDRESS
Prime Minister Hon Allen Chastanet 2020-21 Budget Address
