In his message for Emancipation Day 2026, Pierre stated that political freedom alone was not enough, emphasizing that the peoples of the Caribbean deserved economies that create wealth, reward hard work, and provide opportunities for future generations.

«Political freedom alone is not enough. Our people deserve economic freedom. They deserve opportunities. They deserve property. They deserve prosperity,» he said.

Pierre said that the region needs to build economies where young people see opportunities at home, where entrepreneurs can succeed, and where farmers, fishermen, and manufacturers are valued.

Referring to the legacy of slavery, Pierre said that Emancipation Day serves as a reminder that freedom was won through sacrifice rather than granted voluntarily.

«Freedom was never given to our ancestors. Freedom was demanded. Freedom was won. Freedom was paid for with sacrifice, courage, and unshakable faith,» he said.

Pierre pointed out that former slaves gained their freedom «without land, without wealth, without compensation, and without prospects,» while those who benefited from their labor were rewarded.

He argued that the call for reparations had nothing to do with assigning blame or seeking revenge, but rather with truth and justice for the suffering caused by slavery.

Speaking in his capacity as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Chair of CARICOM, Pierre called on the peoples of the Caribbean to continue building a more just, united, and prosperous region.

He urged citizens to honor the sacrifices of their ancestors by building societies that offer better prospects for future generations.