St. Lucia Minister of Tourism Phillip Pierre was riding high last October when he was sworn in as chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Given the results of a general election this Monday in St. Lucia, Pierre will lose both posts as a new party sweeps into power. The incumbent St. Lucia Party of Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony was dealt a stunning upset by the United Workers Party of 82-year-old Sir John Compton, which was behind in all polls. Compton is a former premier who came out of retirement to lead the United Workers Party to victory. If the election had gone to the St. Lucia Party, Pierre would have held the CTO chairmanship for the customary two-year term. The chairman of the CTO actually represents their home island, which is elected by the CTO's board of directors. In this case, a new minister of tourism to be appointed by St. Lucia's United Workers Party will replace Pierre as CTO chairman.
