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Political vendettas lead to Saint Lucia government waste, costing taxpayers millions as prime office space remains unused.
In a shocking revelation that underscores the dysfunction and wastefulness within the Philip J. Pierre administration, it has emerged that the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has been bleeding taxpayer money to sustain an empty and unused property. For the past three years, the GOSL has been paying $4.50 per square foot in rent for two unoccupied floors at the newly built Orange Grove Mall in Bois D’Orange.
Yet, rather than consolidating government offices in this spacious and modern facility, conveniently located with ample parking and easy access to public transportation, the administration continues to rent exorbitantly priced spaces on Micoud Street, in Town, and in Rodney Bay—often at double the price. This glaring Saint Lucia government waste and mismanagement of public funds reveals a deep-rooted issue in governance: the personal vendettas that appear to be driving government decisions.
At the heart of this scandal is the influence of Housing Minister Richard Frederick over Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Frederick’s notorious hatred for former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has allegedly clouded his judgment to the point where government resources are squandered for political gain. Frederick’s grudge against Chastanet seems to have prevented the government from utilizing the Orange Grove Mall space, which many associate with Chastanet’s previous administration. As a result, instead of making practical decisions that would save the country money, the Pierre administration continues to allow taxpayers to bear the financial brunt of their political pettiness.
01
of 05Unoccupied Property, Unjustifiable Expenses
The Orange Grove Mall, a newly constructed and well-appointed facility, offers a prime location for government offices. It has plenty of parking spaces and is easily accessible by public transportation, making it an ideal location for government operations. Yet, despite these advantages, the building has remained vacant for three years. Meanwhile, the government rents other properties in less suitable locations, at nearly twice the price.
Saint Lucians are paying the price for political spite, as the cost of renting office spaces in the capital and Rodney Bay continues to strain the national budget. By relocating government offices to the Orange Grove Mall, the GOSL could save up to 50% on its current rental expenditures. Instead, millions of dollars are being wasted simply because Frederick and Pierre cannot move past their political biases against Chastanet.
02
of 05Taxpayers Suffer While Leaders Play Politics
This isn’t the first time that Richard Frederick’s personal vendettas have influenced governmental decision-making. His power over Pierre’s administration has been well-documented, with many speculating that his long-standing feud with Allen Chastanet has shaped many of the government’s recent policies. But this instance goes beyond mere inefficiency—it’s a flagrant misuse of public funds, and Saint Lucians are being forced to bear the financial consequences.
At a time when the country is struggling with rising unemployment, a weakened economy, and crumbling public infrastructure, the thought of millions being wasted on unused office space is nothing short of enraging. Saint Lucians deserve better than to have their hard-earned tax dollars thrown away on empty floors because of a feud between political rivals.
03
of 05Philip J. Pierre’s Weak Leadership
While much of the blame can be placed on Richard Frederick, the buck ultimately stops with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. His failure to rein in Frederick’s influence and prioritize the country’s best interests reflects weak leadership and a lack of vision for the country. Pierre’s administration continues to exhibit poor governance, with decision-making based on vendettas rather than on policies that benefit the public.
The failure to use the Orange Grove Mall not only exemplifies the administration’s inability to govern effectively but also highlights the corrosive nature of political grudges within the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP). Instead of acting in the interest of Saint Lucians, Pierre has allowed himself to be swayed by Frederick’s animosity toward Allen Chastanet, costing the nation dearly in the process.
04
of 05Time for Accountability
It’s time for the Pierre administration to face accountability for this gross mismanagement of public funds. Saint Lucians deserve answers as to why they are being forced to foot the bill for political vendettas, while necessary government spaces remain idle.
If the GOSL is serious about tackling wasteful spending, it must put an end to these politically motivated decisions that are costing the country millions. Reallocating government offices to the Orange Grove Mall would be a practical, cost-saving measure that would ease the burden on taxpayers. But as long as Richard Frederick’s pettiness continues to cloud the administration’s judgment, the people of Saint Lucia will continue to suffer the consequences.
05
of 05Final Analysis
Saint Lucia is paying the price for petty politics, with the current administration allowing personal grudges to dictate policy decisions. The government’s failure to utilize the Orange Grove Mall is a clear sign that personal vendettas are taking precedence over national interests. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre must act now to put the country first, or continue to face growing public dissatisfaction with his leadership.
In the end, it’s not Frederick or Pierre who are paying the price for these bad decisions—it’s the ordinary citizens of Saint Lucia, who deserve far better from their government.
