‘Self-hate’ – St Lucia PM slams opposition’s criticism of Tinubu’s visit
By Jeffrey Agbo
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Philip Pierre has condemned what he calls politically motivated criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s June visit, calling it “shameful” and rooted in a slavery mentality.
President Tinubu paid a state visit to Saint Lucia on June 29, aimed at deepening ties with the Caribbean and boosting South-South cooperation.
In spite of the historic nature, the visit sparked criticism from some quarters in Saint Lucia.
The Prime Minister in his speech to mark the 2025 Emancipation Day on Monday in Castries, criticised the backlash as political motivated by a group tacitly backed by the opposition party.
He said the visit was a success, enhancing diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
Pierre emphasised the symbolic importance of African unity and pride that the visit reignited.
“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.
“Had the visit been by a Head of State from another country, the reception from that group would have been at the very least respectful.”
The Prime Minister noted that several strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed during Tinubu’s visit.
He pledged to build stronger ties with Nigeria and other African nations.
The prime minister used the occasion which marks the 191st anniversary of the abolition of slavery, to call on Saint Lucians to confront the lingering effects of colonialism while embracing Africa unity.
He called for deeper collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean to accelerate black emancipation and development.
