As Saint Lucia gears up for its General Election on December 1, Herod Stanislas, the former Member of Parliament for Soufrière/Fond St. Jacques, has expressed unwavering confidence in his return to the House of Assembly under the United Workers Party (UWP) banner. With just 11 days remaining until the election, the UWP held a national public meeting in the Soufrière community of Palmiste on November 20, the eve of Nomination Day. The event coincided with the 65th birthday of UWP political leader and former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, adding a celebratory tone to the gathering.
Stanislas, who previously served as MP from 2016 to 2021, is vying for a second term after narrowly losing to Emma Hippolyte in the last election. Addressing the crowd, he outlined his vision for the constituency, emphasizing youth and sports development, infrastructural improvements, and economic revitalization. He highlighted his past achievements, including the reconstruction of 60% of the roads in New Development and the installation of artificial turf and a 400m rubber track at the Soufrière Stadium.
Looking ahead, Stanislas pledged to complete the remaining road projects, construct an administrative building, and deliver 100 housing lots for first-time homeowners. He also unveiled plans to transform the old copra factory into a business incubator, museum, and restaurant to stimulate local economic growth. Additionally, he committed to advancing the second phase of the Soufrière Mini Stadium, which includes a multipurpose court for netball and volleyball, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and the certification of the track and football turf to host regional and international events.
Stanislas further revealed his ambition to establish a cricket-specific ground on eight acres of land in Ruby, envisioning Soufrière/Fond St. Jacques as a hub for diverse sporting activities. He also lamented the unused land acquired for a 30-bed hospital during the previous UWP administration, expressing his determination to see the project come to fruition. The UWP is set to launch its 2025 Manifesto on November 23, outlining its broader plans for national development.