Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, on behalf of the entire country offered his condolences to France, and the many families who are currently in a state of grief.

“The Government and people of Saint Lucia are saddened and distressed by the tragic events which transpired in Paris, France on the night of Friday, Nov. 13," he said at a press conference earlier this week. "We extend our deepest sympathy to the many families who lost loved ones and who now grieve or are traumatised by this calamity. The pain and anguish they feel at this time must be grave as they have lost friends and relatives so unexpectedly and tragically."

Minister Pierre went on to condemn violence and terrorism.

"The Government of Saint Lucia stands in solidarity with the French people and the entire global community in condemning terrorism as a perversion of our core human values. We abhor these cowardly forms of aggression against innocent lives."

It is reported that at least 129 people lost their lives following the terrorist attack.

The Deputy Prime Minister reminded Saint Lucia of the close diplomatic, historic, cultural, economic and social ties shared with France as a member of La Francophonie and particularly through its overseas regions of Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.

For the full text of the Deputy Prime Minister's address, download the attached PDF.