It happened in broad daylight — not in a dark alley, not in a hidden corridor, but in full view of the Parliament of Saint Lucia.
A woman — a journalist — stood firm, doing her job, reporting from the grounds of the people’s house. And in a moment that has since been captured in a now-viral security video, she was allegedly assaulted by none other than Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Ernest Hilaire.
Yes. You read that correctly.
A female journalist.
An elected minister.
A country watching in silence.
But silence is no longer an option.
Abuse of Power is Still Abuse
Journalism is not a crime.
Protesting is not a threat.
But when a man in power lays hands on a woman — physically, verbally, or otherwise — it’s not “passion,” it’s not “politics,” and it’s not “misunderstanding.”
It is assault. It is abuse of power. And it must be condemned.
Reports from The Voice, UnitedPac St. Lucia, and a string of online sources have confirmed the seriousness of this allegation. The journalist, Eldrise Charles, courageously filed a report with the police. Evidence has emerged. Public support is mounting.
Yet the halls of Parliament remain eerily quiet.
Instead of leading with dignity and ensuring justice, the Speaker of the House has chosen to peddle doubt and false framing, failing in his most basic duty — to protect the sanctity of Parliament and the safety of all who enter its gates.
Where Is the Outrage?
Where are the statements from Cabinet?
Where are the apologies, the suspensions, the investigations that should have started the very next day?
This isn't about party lines — it’s about moral lines, and one has been crossed.
Women across this nation are watching.
Journalists across the region are taking note.
And Saint Lucians, whether red or yellow, should be ashamed that our democracy is being so blatantly disrespected.
We Must Take a Stand
We stand with Eldrise Charles, not just because she is a woman, or a journalist, but because what happened to her could happen to any one of us — if we let this slide.
We demand:
- ✅ An independent investigation
- ✅ A public apology
- ✅ A retraction from the Speaker of the House
- ✅ A clear message from Parliament that abuse — in any form — is unacceptable
🇱🇨 Saint Lucia, This Is a Test of Our Integrity
Every time we stay silent in the face of injustice, we chip away at the kind of country we claim to be.
Do we believe in truth?
Do we believe in freedom of the press?
Do we protect women?
Or do we only care when it’s politically convenient?
Let this moment be a turning point.
Let this moment show the world that Saint Lucia still has a backbone.
Because if we can’t defend one woman with a microphone, what hope do we have of defending democracy itself?
#StandWithEldrise
#ProtectThePress
#NoToAbuseOfPower
#SpeakerMustRetract
#SaintLuciaIsWatching
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