PRIME MINISTER ALLEN CHASTANET
CASTRIES, St Lucia — The Allen Chastanet-led United Workers Party (UWP) administration in Saint Lucia recently celebrated its second anniversary of assuming office but it wasn’t long before Prime Minister Chastanet doubled down on earlier insults and confirmed what he really thinks of Saint Lucians, saying, “I let the jackasses bray.”
“I have taken the advice of Sir John [Compton]. I don’t listen, I let the jackasses bray. All morning they can bray, but I not taking on the donkey. I am continuing to work,” he said..
Notably, Chastanet, who was born in Martinique, is a not himself a Saint Lucian by birth, or “jus soli” — the principle that a person is entitled to citizenship in the land of his birth – but by “jus sanguinis”, a principle of nationality law by which citizenship is not determined by place of birth but by having one or both parents who are citizens of the state.
This prompted one local wag to remark that Chastanet is a “jackass by naturalisation”, adding that Saint Lucians only have to consider who they voted into office to validate Chastanet’s belief.
Opposition leader Philip J Pierre asked how much longer are Saint Lucians prepared to suffer the disrespect of the UWP government.
“The customary gesture by the prime minister should be an expression of gratitude to the citizens of this country for having given him the highest honour and privilege, but he [Chastanet] shamelessly used the opportunity to hurl insults at Saint Lucians by referring to them as jackasses.
“The reality of this new Saint Lucia must be quite disturbing to many citizens of this country. Over the last two years we have witnessed a UWP government that has become more famous for what they have failed to undertake than the few meagre achievements which they attempt with the greatest effort to magnify,” Pierre said.
According to a Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) press release there are two definitions of “jackass”:
“Did he mean that Saint Lucians are idiots, which would fit the definition of stupidity, or that we are no more than animals — male donkeys, the second definition of the word jackass?
“Whichever he meant it is highly offensive and disrespectful for the prime minister to refer to the people of this country in this way,” the opposition continued, asking who the jackasses are that Chastanet is referring to:
“1. Could it be the doctors agitating for an equitable healthcare system and expressing concern about unwarranted deaths at the George Odlum Stadium?
2. Could it be the unemployed youth in search of a job or entrepreneurial opportunity?
3. Could it be the professionals insulted by the government’s illusion of economic growth and development?
4. Or could it be the farmer afraid of his land being taken away to give to Teo Ah Khing for $1.00 per acre?
5. Maybe the consumer who does not feel the benefit of the VAT reduction?
6. Possibly the owners of businesses that have closed in the Rodney Bay area and elsewhere in the country despite constant repetition that tourist arrivals are at an all-time high?
7. Could it be the vehicle owner who was promised a reduction in his gas bill but instead has to find an additional tax of $1.50 for every gallon of gas purchased?
8. Could it be Bishnu Tulsie or the National Trust or Mark Hennecart or John Peters for providing their professional opinion and advice on the St Jude Hospital Reconstruction project?”
The prime minister’s mindset is clear, Pierre said:
“Over the last two years we have seen how the prime minister and members of his government have treated everyone who has spoken or raised concern about the decisions and actions of this administration. Obviously, he doesn’t listen to those persons because to him we are all jackasses.
“This behaviour is very unbecoming of a prime minister and demonstrates a lack of awareness of his responsibility to encourage tolerance and respect among citizens especially when there is disagreement.
“If you don’t listen, then how do you know what people are saying – what are their views? He has now confirmed the reason why he is dismissive of advice and opposing views. Not listening is a frightening attitude for a prime minister to adopt. Worse yet, to feel brazen enough to state it publicly.”
History Lessons
This is not the first time that Chastanet and his ministers have been less than complimentary towards their constituents.
“Historically, we are a rum drinking people,” said Dominic Fedee, another ‘Saint Lucian-jackass’ by naturalization and minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for tourism, information and broadcasting, promoting the island’s Food and Rum Festival
“Should it be every dog that barks that I should respond… I don’t think so,” Chastanet said on an earlier occasion.
In a contradiction of his explanation of “Ching, Ching, Ching” — a key election mantra that referenced money in the pocket of Saint Lucians — the prime minister previously doubled down and flip-flopped at the same time.
“It is no longer acceptable that a young person puts his hand in his pocket just to be able to hold his hand. He must be able to put his hand in his pocket to be able to get money to be able to buy food for his children,” said candidate Chastanet on May 13, 2016.
“Every single Saint Lucian must have their own card: Ching, Ching, Ching in their pocket. That’s what the Ching, Ching, Ching is! The Ching, Ching, Ching is not money. The Ching, Ching, Ching is your empowerment and do not let anybody stop you. The Ching, Ching, Ching is not money,” said Prime Minister Chastanet on June 14, 2018.