Table of Contents
01
of 03Richard Frederick Evil Soul Exposed: Former Minister’s Scathing Critique Sparks Debate
Richard Frederick, a controversial figure in Saint Lucia’s political arena, faces stinging criticism from Hermingild Francis, the former National Security Minister under the United Workers Party (UWP) administration. In a recently published opinion piece, Francis calls out Frederick for political hypocrisy, divisive rhetoric, and an alarming grip on power. The critique has sparked widespread discussion about integrity, leadership, and the future of governance in Saint Lucia.
The full text of Francis’s opinion, titled A Disingenuous Politician, is included below as a reflection on the moral and ethical failures he attributes to Richard Frederick. Francis draws on the wisdom of two former prime ministers—Sir John Compton and Dr. Kenny Anthony—both of whom warned about Frederick’s unsuitability for public office.
02
of 03A Disingenuous Politician
“A man does not come to the almshouse or the jail by the tyranny of fate or circumstances, but by the pathway of groveling thoughts and base desires. Nor does a pure-minded man fall suddenly into crime by stress of any mere external force; the criminal thought had long been secretly fostered in the heart, and the hour of opportunity revealed its gathered power. Circumstances do not make the man; it reveals him to himself.
No such conditions can exist as descending into vice and its attendant sufferings apart from vicious inclinations, or ascending into virtue and its pure happiness without the continued cultivation of virtuous aspirations; and man, therefore, as the lord and master of thought, is the maker of himself, the shaper and author of environment.
Even at birth, the soul comes to its own, and through every step of its earthly pilgrimage, it attracts those combinations of conditions which reveal itself, which are the reflections of its own purity and impurity, its strength and weakness.
It is also true that good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.
Law, not confusion, is the dominating principle in the universe; justice, not injustice, is the soul and substance of life; and righteousness, not corruption. A man has to right himself to find that the universe is right; and during the process of putting himself right, he will find that as he alters his thoughts towards things and other people, things and other people will alter towards him.
Two of our former leaders of our country decided long ago that Richard Frederick was not good for our country. Compton begrudgingly accepted Richard into the bosom of the UWP, stating, ‘It is not my will to have this candidate, but if you want him, then so be it.’ Dr. Anthony dismissed him as a substantial threat to democracy. He went further to indicate that an SLP government would never have Richard as a government minister of its Cabinet.
The years have proven both these great leaders correct in their pronouncements. We need as a country to address the threat this man poses to our country. We endure his rhetoric of political victimization, his vile attempt to muzzle the freedom of speech of all our citizens, regardless of political affiliation. As long as he perceives you as a threat, then you become a target for ridicule and shame.
His attack on the candidate of the UWP for the upcoming general elections must be denounced most forcefully. This cannot be tolerated in our country. To indicate that this outstanding young man came from a family of criminals must be condemned. We do not choose our parents, and for Richard Frederick, who was a great friend and supporter of that Clarke family, to now come and say those hurtful things about the young man speaks volumes. His excuse is that the young man indicated that there are criminals in government. He chose to be the one responding to that statement. If the cap fits, then wear it.
Richard’s hold on Central Castries is slipping away slowly but surely, and he will try everything under the sun to hold on to power. His live a couple of nights ago shows the lengths that he will go to show that he still commands support from Central Castries. Richard from what was portrayed from his live was that this was his doing. From my corner, this is absolutely untrue. The young men of the area decided to embark on a program to help the young people of New Village. Richard, in his usual modus operandi, hijacked the activity.
I am extremely proud of young Rosh Clarke for now responding to this idiotic minister. You are a great role model for the young people of Saint Lucia in showing that despite your upbringing, your circumstances in life, you can make it. With hard work, dedication, and faith in God, you can make it. Continue doing the good work. Remain focused and rise above the noise.
To the other young people in Central Castries, be careful how you dance with this man. He will use you, and when the time comes, he will get rid of you one way or the other.”
03
of 03A Call for Reflection
Hermingild Francis’s remarks highlight growing concerns about leadership integrity in Saint Lucia. By invoking the insights of past leaders and illustrating Frederick’s alleged actions, Francis paints a sobering picture of political dysfunction. As the nation prepares for upcoming elections, citizens are urged to consider the values they wish to see embodied by their leaders.
Stay connected to Unitedpac St. Lucia News for more updates on this developing story.
