Laura Jn. Pierre-Noel warns that rising US-Venezuela tensions could impact St Lucia’s economy and security.
Laborie St Lucia – UWP endorsed candidate for Laborie/Augier, Laura Jn. Pierre-Noel has issued a public statement addressing the rising US-Venezuela tensions and their potential impact on Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean. In her message, Jn. Pierre-Noel calls on the government to communicate clearly with citizens about the possible economic and security implications for the island amid escalating regional uncertainty.
The statement follows her earlier remarks in which Laura Jn. Pierre-Noel slammed the Labour Party over governance and accountability issues, reinforcing her position as one of the opposition’s more vocal advocates for transparency.
Below is the full text of her statement
Press Statement
Laura Jn. Pierre-Noel
October 27, 2025
Good day, my fellow Saint Lucians.
I trust that everyone had a peaceful and enjoyable Jounen Kwéyòl celebration 2025, and that no other family is grieving after one of the worst pile-ups the south has seen in a long time, where young Rikki Samuel tragically lost his life the day before, and another young man from Laborie sustained serious head injuries requiring several stitches.
Amid the celebrations, however, many constituents, including our youth and often-marginalized young men on the blocks, have raised a serious concern about the rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela, and what this could mean for our region and for us here in Saint Lucia.
The situation unfolding between the United States and Venezuela is deeply concerning. If reports are accurate that U.S. forces have destroyed Venezuelan fishing vessels with fishermen on board, and that Venezuela has boosted its military readiness, then we are facing a serious regional crisis that could spell big trouble for us in the Caribbean. Venezuela has reportedly increased military alert levels along its coastlines and near ports, deploying naval and air assets to monitor and potentially deter further U.S. operations. We may be small, but we will feel it first.
As Caribbean people, we cannot pretend that this will not affect us. Any instability in our region has direct consequences for small island economies like ours. Our boats pass through Venezuelan waters; our fishers are already struggling with high fuel costs and rough seas, and now they might have to worry about getting caught in escalating tensions. And if tourism takes a hit because of regional tension, how are we to manage? That’s our bread and butter.
Our fishermen being at risk means greater food insecurity. Rising fuel and food prices will mean an even higher cost of living. And our tourism industry, the lifeblood of our economy, could face serious strain if tensions continue to escalate.
This is precisely the kind of moment when our leaders must step forward and speak clearly to the people. Where does Saint Lucia stand in all of this? Are we aligned with the United States? Do we maintain friendly ties with Venezuela? Or are we choosing neutrality in the interest of regional peace?
We cannot afford to sit quietly and wait for CNN or BBC to tell us what is happening. Our leaders must come clean and tell the people where Saint Lucia stands. We are not a global superpower; we are a small, developing nation whose strength lies in diplomacy, balance, and the pursuit of peace.
What we need now is calm, leadership, and transparency. The St Lucia government must inform citizens how this situation could impact trade, tourism, fishing, and national security. Because at the end of the day, when big powers act, it is always the small man who suffers, our fishermen, hotel workers, market vendors, and ordinary families trying to make ends meet.
So yes, the government needs to speak up, not with polished press statements, but with real talk, plain and honest. Tell us how this might affect our access to fuel, food prices, and tourism. Tell us what plan is in place if things get worse.
Because silence is not cutting it.
Saint Lucians deserve to know what’s happening and how our country intends to navigate these uncertain waters.
“When big powers act, small nations must find courage in unity, wisdom in diplomacy, and strength in the truth.”
— Laura Jn. Pierre-Noel, UWP endorsed candidate for Laborie/Augier
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