Critics raise alarms over Philip J Pierre wastage in major government spending
CASTRIES, St Lucia — More than $5.2 billion in public resources has been spent under the administration of Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, drawing increasing criticism and nationwide concern over what is widely viewed as a deepening crisis of public trust.
Recent financial disclosures point to a pattern of unchecked spending, questionable fiscal decisions, and inflated project costs — all fueling a growing narrative of waste and mismanagement. Observers now cite a mounting case of Philip J Pierre wastage, with increasing calls for transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive audit of public spending since the Saint Lucia Labour Party assumed office.
At the center of the controversy is the Galaxy Hotel project, which involved the giveaway of $2.7 billion in Saint Lucia’s most prized economic asset — its citizenships. The revelations stem in part from an explosive leaked Galaxy CIP contract that triggered widespread outrage over the scale and secrecy of the deal.
An additional $1.6 billion in citizenships was reportedly allocated to Galaxy Infrastructure initiatives. The opacity of these transactions has deepened public frustration, with little clarity on what has been delivered in return.
In the maritime sector, $1.2 billion in economic value was removed from the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) through a controversial agreement with Global Ports Holdings (GPH) — a deal that former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet notably declined to endorse.
Further scrutiny surrounds the $300 million contract awarded to a Trinidadian firm to construct the long-delayed Halls of Justice. Reporting has uncovered multiple discrepancies in the project, including the exclusion of local contractors and unclear procurement processes.
In the housing sector, the allocation of $200 million to the Bemax Housing project has been marred by scandal. A Unitedpac investigation exposed ties between Bemax and an international crime network, casting serious doubts over due diligence and the Bemax Housing project legitimacy.
Operational expenses have also ballooned. The Pierre administration increased its travel budget by $1 million and spent an additional $40 million on consultancies. No detailed government reports have explained the necessity or impact of this surge in spending.
Construction-related overruns continue to make headlines. The custody suites, initially budgeted at $1.5 million, have now cost $4.5 million, as outlined in this report on the custody suite controversy. Meanwhile, the St Jude Hospital redevelopment — once projected at $30 million — is now expected to exceed $260 million. Details from the 2024 St Jude budget Hospital redevelopment breakdown have done little to satisfy critics demanding accountability.
One of the more mystifying revelations involves the Orange Grove office complex, where the government has paid $11.2 million in rent — despite refusing to occupy the premises. The decision remains unexplained.
Attention has also turned to the Health & Security Levy, which generated $80 million, yet only $22 million has reportedly been used for its intended purposes. The remaining $58 million remains unaccounted for, raising serious concerns outlined in a detailed analysis of the levy’s implementation.
Combined, these figures point to a broader pattern of fiscal recklessness. The total cost of these decisions, as detailed in Unitedpac’s comprehensive report on government waste, underscores a lack of fiscal discipline at the highest levels of government.
The backlash against Prime Minister Pierre’s leadership continues to intensify. A recent review of public sentiment reveals that criticism of his leadership style and spending priorities is growing not just among opposition parties, but also within civil society.
As the total hits $5.2 billion and accountability questions mount, Saint Lucians continue to demand clarity. With no official government audit or financial disclosures provided to date, the public is left to rely on investigative reporting and independent analysis. The rising public frustration over Philip J Pierre’s wastage aligns with broader fiscal trends outlined in the Government of Saint Lucia’s 2023 Economic and Social Review, which highlights growing public debt and expenditure pressures amid limited transparency in major development projects.
Unitedpac St Lucia News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
