Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has vehemently defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to his nation, calling criticism of it “shameful and disgraceful” and denouncing what he described as politically motivated attacks tinged with the lingering effects of colonial self-hatred.
During his 2025 Emancipation Day speech in the capital, Castries, Prime Minister Pierre firmly resisted those who opposed the Nigerian leader’s state visit. He maintained that deeper psychological wounds from slavery were mirrored in the backlash, which was motivated by party objectives and covertly backed by the opposition.
Pierre stated, “The vilification and denigration of the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, by a politically motivated group, tacitly supported by the opposition party, was another demonstration of the harmful effects of the legacy of slavery: self-hate and a readiness to accept African people and their descendants as inferior. That behaviour was nothing short of shameful and disgraceful”
“The reception would have been much more respectful if a visiting head of state had come from somewhere else in the world”
Regarding the visit’s content, Pierre underlined the importance of President Tinubu’s visit, calling it a milestone in developing stronger regional and bilateral ties as well as an honor for the island country.
He stated, “To the government and people of the Republic of Nigeria, the government and people of Saint Lucia have been honoured by the visit of your President and look forward to establishing and deepening economic, social and cultural ties with your country,”
He said that during Tinubu’s visit, a number of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed to enhance collaboration within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as well as with Saint Lucia in sectors including education, culture, economy, and social development.
Reiterating his government’s dedication to Pan-Africanism and unity among peoples of African origin, Pierre promised, “My administration will do its best to ensure that those MOUs bear fruit at the earliest opportunity.”
