On Tuesday, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre told parliament that the former United Workers Party (UWP) government's reckless financial management was worse than initially thought. As a result, Pierre explained that the country now requires prudent financial management to avoid falling into 'a financial abyss'. Addressing the state of the country's finances when the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) came to power after the July 26, 2021, general elections, the PM said as of July 31, 2021, Saint Lucia's debt was as follows: Public Debt - $3.932 B Local Payables - $154 M Design Finance Contracts - $184.5 M (5years’