CASTRIES, Saint Lucia — Prime Minister Philip Pierre has dismissed criticism of former St Vincent and the Grenadines prime minister Ralph Gonsalves being invited to address parliament during Saint Lucia’s 75th anniversary of universal adult suffrage, calling the objections “petty, immature, irrelevant, and nonsensical”.

Gonsalves was the guest speaker at a special joint sitting of parliament on October 12.

His selection drew criticism from Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet, who questioned the decision at a United Workers Party (UWP) media conference.

Chastanet described Gonsalves as “divisive” and argued that the occasion should have been kept separate from partisan politics.

“We were brought together with the intention of celebrating Adult Suffrage. I do and did not respect the choice parliament made of bringing a former prime minister, a person who has been divisive in his politics and has a long track record as to how he has dealt with Sir John, and he has dealt with me, and also that he is clearly partisan in his politics, and to bring him here under the guise that he was a historian,” Chastanet said.

Responding to questions at the pre-Cabinet media briefing on October 19, Pierre defended the choice, pointing to Gonsalves’ experience as a former head of government and his work as a historian and author.

“You’re speaking about a prime minister who was in power for 25 years, who is a historian, who has written volumes. Ralph Gonzales is an international intellectual,” Pierre said.

“I think it’s petty. I think it’s childish. I think it’s uncalled for, and I will not take part in that kind of discussion.”

Pierre maintained that the anniversary event was not a political platform, but an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of adult suffrage in Saint Lucia.

“He didn’t come on a political platform, you know, to commemorate adult suffrage that changed the course of history for the people of Saint Lucia. Did Ralph say anything that was wrong?” he asked.