Castries, St. Lucia – The International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) of St. Lucia organized a webinar with current and former parliamentarians to mark the U.N. International Day of Peace on September 21, 2023. St. Lucia has two main political parties, the United Workers Party (UWP) and the St. Lucia Labor Party. Representatives of both parties took part in the program.
The theme was “Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universally Shared Values as a Foundation for Peace in our Nation.” Interdependence was explained as the idea that everyone is in the same boat and must learn to cooperate, respect and appreciate one another. Mutual prosperity is the idea that economic growth should benefit everyone; people’s economic endeavors should benefit them, but also the nation. Universally shared values, including human rights, democracy, and respect for the rule of law, are the foundation for social justice, equality, and the protection of individual freedom.
Each panelist was invited to make a seven-minute presentation. They notably made an effort to transcend the divides of ideological thinking. One of the main points was that, as elected representatives in the public eye, parliamentarians need to practice what they preach, because they stand as role models for the nation.
Hon. Guy Mayers served as the master of ceremonies. He is a former minister of education (2006-2011) and a former ambassador of St. Lucia to the United Kingdom (2016-2021). Mr. Remy Taupier, director of UPF-St. Lucia, gave the welcoming remarks.
Parliamentarian presenters included Madame President Alvina Reynolds, president of the Senate; Hon. Emma Hippolyte, minister for commerce, manufacturing, business development, cooperatives and consumer affairs and also MP for Soufriere-Fond St. Jacques; Hon. Lenard Montoute, public relations officer in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition; and Dr. Allison Jean, member of the Senate since 2021.
Other presenters were Dr. Adrian Augier, an award-winning poet and producer who is also a development economist; and Dr. Gale Rigobert, former minister of education, innovation, gender relations and sustainable development, who also served as an MP from 2011 to 2021.
Throughout the program, there was a great spirit of mutual respect and listening to one another. Participants all concluded that UPF should continue such webinars.
