By Muhammad Mamman
In a fiery address marking Saint Lucia’s 2025 Emancipation Day, Prime Minister Philip Pierre delivered a stinging rebuke of the opposition’s “shameful” criticism of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s historic state visit, branding it a relic of colonial self-hate. The 29 June visit, a milestone in South-South cooperation, strengthened diplomatic, cultural, and economic bonds between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, yet faced politically charged backlash from opposition-backed factions.
Speaking in Castries on Monday, Pierre hailed the visit as a resounding success, spotlighting its role in reigniting African unity and pride. “The vilification of President Tinubu by a politically motivated group, tacitly propped up by the opposition, is a stark display of the lingering scars of slavery—self-loathing and a readiness to deem African people inferior,” he declared. “Such behaviour is nothing short of disgraceful. A head of state from another nation would have been met with respect, not derision.”
The visit, a pivotal moment for Saint Lucia and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), saw the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to bolster economic, social, educational, and cultural ties. “My government is committed to ensuring these agreements deliver tangible benefits at the earliest opportunity,” Pierre vowed, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu on behalf of Saint Lucia’s people.
Marking the 191st anniversary of slavery’s abolition, Pierre called for unity in confronting colonialism’s enduring legacy. He urged deeper Africa-Caribbean collaboration to drive black emancipation and development, acknowledging Saint Lucia’s progress since 1834 while noting that the shadows of slavery persist in mindsets and systems. “This is a moment to embrace our shared heritage and build a future of pride and progress,” he concluded.
