As Saint Lucia approaches a pivotal electoral period, the nation’s two dominant political forces—the United Workers Party (UWP) and Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP)—have unveiled comprehensive manifestos detailing contrasting approaches to sports development and infrastructure modernization.
The detailed analysis reveals significant disparities in scope and emphasis between the parties’ proposals. The UWP’s platform demonstrates substantially greater elaboration on athletic development strategies, though both share certain fundamental objectives regarding national sports advancement.
Infrastructure commitments emerge as a central battleground, with both parties addressing long-standing frustrations over unfulfilled promises. The George Odlum Stadium, repurposed as emergency medical facilities after the 2009 fire, receives renewed attention in the SLP manifesto with pledged refurbishment using reportedly secured funding. Conversely, the UWP focuses on Soufriere Stadium enhancements including modular seating, grandstand improvements, and aquatic facilities.
The aquatic infrastructure competition intensifies with the National Aquatic Centre already underway in Gros Islet. The UWP commits to establishing four pools nationwide, while the SLP emphasizes implementing a national Learn to Swim program—addressing decades of discussion about community aquatic facilities.
Both parties revisit previously unrealized pledges regarding indoor sports complexes. The UWP renews its 2016 commitment to transform the Vigie Multipurpose Sports Complex into an indoor facility while proposing another southern complex. The SLP references partial progress on their 2021 promise to modernize Marchand and Mindoo Phillip Grounds, now targeted by the UWP for transformation into an integrated sporting complex.
Athlete support mechanisms reveal further contrasts. The persistent issue of unpaid leave for national representatives remains unresolved despite repeated commitments. Both parties resurrect the elusive sports scholarship system—initially proposed by UWP in 2016, echoed by SLP in 2021, and reintroduced by UWP in their current manifesto.
The UWP further commits to integrating sports into all government-sponsored Community After School Programs, expanding existing coaching infrastructure across communities. Additional pledges include financial support for community academies, grassroots tournament funding, expansion of the Elite and Emerging Athlete Program, and implementing a Talent Identification Program within school sports.
Alternative sports receive unprecedented attention, with both parties addressing the longstanding auto racing debate through pledged facilities by 2031—the SLP promising a state-of-the-art southern track while the UWP commits to motocross and drag racing infrastructure.
The Saint Lucia Sports Academy emerges as another differentiation point. The UWP proposes expanding the institution they established in 2019, enhancing residential and technical capabilities while establishing a southern branch. The SLP counters with plans to repurpose the former Gros Islet Secondary School into the Levern Spencer Institute of Sports Training and Development.
The SLP highlights delivered commitments from their 2021 manifesto, including expanded programming for alternative sports (surfing, dominoes, chess, darts, pool, and drag racing), widespread field lighting upgrades, and professionalization of football and cricket. The UWP promises continued support for these leagues while considering semi-professional basketball development.
Looking forward, the UWP proposes summer camps and showcase events to support scholarship ambitions, complemented by a “Sports for All” initiative targeting senior sports participation and broader promotion of active lifestyles across the population.