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Sir John Compton taking his oath of
allegiance and secrecy. |
Friday, December 15, 2006 – St. Lucia's Prime Minister Sir John
Compton was sworn in on Friday by Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy. The
ceremony was attended by Sir John's family, United Workers Party
Parliamentarians, members of the media and well wishers. Sir John, after taking
the Oaths of Allegiance and Secrecy, thanked the people of St. Lucia for
electing him as leader, a position which he has accepted with humility. However
Sir John said this is not the time to focus on victory but to get down to real
work.
He says the first order of business for the government are crime, unemployment
and fiscal prudence, to name a few. According to Sir John: “I pledge that this
government will be a government of all the people of St. Lucia. As we move to
address the development agenda that is before us, we have an obligation to put
behind us the years of political tribalism that was so glaringly demonstrated in
the recent weeks. We must renew our country based on the recognition that the
national interest takes precedence over the individual or political positions.”
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Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy
cementing the official swearing in of the Right Hon. John G.M. Compton
as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia |
Sir John said his government would soon be working on the 2007/2008 National
Budget. He made it clear that in cost cutting measures, the jobs of civil
servants will remain untouched. The Prime Minister said under the agenda to
address crime
an independent police complaints commission will be set up.
“We will give the police the free hand to do their duties within the law. The
police complaints commission will be established to safeguard the rights of the
public,”
Sir John said. He added that a secure and safe society is necessary not only for
the growth of the economy but also for the development of society. “We will put
an end to the day to day interference in the police force and will make the
police and the courts fully responsible in dealing with crime and criminals”,
Sir John added.
Sir John also pointed out that government will be making significant investments
in education and health, and added that government intended to restore study
leave with pay for teachers and civil servants.
The United Workers Party was elected on December 11 with 11 seats, while the
Saint Lucia Labour Party won 6 seats.
Parliamentarians are expected to be sworn in on Tuesday December 19 at the Prime
Minister's official residence at Vigie.
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