In an unprecedented electoral triumph, Gros Islet has returned Kenson Casimir of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to parliament with a record-breaking margin of victory. Official results confirm Casimir secured 8,175 votes, surpassing United Workers Party (UWP) challenger Marcella Johnson by 4,314 votes—the largest victory margin in the constituency’s history and the first back-to-back win since Mario Michel’s tenure (1997-2006).
The landmark result came during Saint Lucia’s December 1 general election that saw the SLP secure 14 parliamentary seats alongside two independents and UWP leader Allen Chastanet. Casimir’s victory speech, broadcast via livestream as he toured the celebrating constituency, acknowledged the historic nature of the mandate: “Thank you for making history today! A margin of over 4,000 votes—never before in Saint Lucia’s history.”
His opponent, Marcella Johnson, conceded gracefully in a social media statement, reflecting that while unsuccessful, her campaign had built “something far greater than a simple victory or defeat.” She extended sincere well-wishes to Casimir, expressing hopes that “God guide your decisions, strengthen your purpose and bless your service to Gros Islet.”
The electoral outcome followed Casimir’s first term that delivered substantial infrastructure improvements including upgraded sporting facilities (Baba Lastic Grounds, Monchy playing field), road repairs, bus shelters, a new commercial center, expanded Gros Islet Polyclinic, Police Headquarters construction, and the Gros Islet Beach Park development. The constituency has also attracted significant tourism investment, notably the A’ila Resorts project.
Campaign debates centered on traffic congestion along Rodney Bay Highway and rising living costs, with Johnson pledging coastal reconstruction to stimulate business activity. Casimir faced—and denied—opposition allegations regarding real estate acquisitions, dismissing them as a “smear campaign.” His platform emphasized continuing development initiatives, with major road works and dual-carriage expansions scheduled to address the rapidly growing district’s congestion issues.