As St. Lucia’s general election on December 1 approaches, the national spotlight has shifted to several pivotal constituencies that could determine the election’s outcome. From Castries East and Micoud South, where incumbent leaders defend their seats, to Choiseul, Vieux Fort South, Dennery South, and Soufriere, these races provide critical insights into the island’s evolving political landscape. In Castries East, Philip J. Pierre faces political newcomer Peter Chiquot, who emphasizes community service over personal ambition. Meanwhile, in Micoud South, Allen Chastanet contends with Shanda Lee Harracksingh, who challenges his representation record and advocates for youth development and agricultural support. Choiseul features a dynamic contest between Keithson ‘Kiffo’ Charles and Bradley Felix, both beloved by constituents and focused on infrastructure and economic development. Vieux Fort South, transitioning after the exit of former Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, sees a clash between seasoned campaign manager Danny Butcher and media personality Leanna ‘Lady Lee’ Johannes-Paul. Dennery South has gained attention due to a high-profile political defection, with Alfred Prospere and Benson Emile vying for votes on platforms of agricultural support and youth empowerment. In Soufriere, Emma Hippolyte and Herod Stanislas face off in a rematch centered on tourism, economic stability, and community development. Across these constituencies, voters prioritize infrastructure, economic opportunities, and leadership capable of delivering tangible improvements. These local issues, combined with national concerns, will shape the election’s outcome on December 1.
分类： politics
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How to prepare to vote in Saint Lucia’s upcoming general election
As Saint Lucia gears up for its forthcoming general elections, citizens are urged to ensure they are fully prepared to exercise their democratic rights. The Electoral Department has outlined essential steps for voters to verify their eligibility and registration status. Citizens who possess a Saint Lucian national identification card or participated in the previous general election are already registered. Eligibility extends to Saint Lucian citizens and Commonwealth citizens who have resided in the country for at least seven years and in an electoral district for a minimum of two months, provided they are 18 years or older. However, individuals declared of unsound mind, imprisoned, or under a death sentence are ineligible to register. To register, voters must visit the Electoral Department at #23 High Street, Castries, in the Godfrey James Building, bringing necessary documents such as a birth certificate, National Insurance Card, and, if applicable, a marriage certificate. Non-native citizens must present a Certificate of Registration or Naturalisation from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Voters who have relocated must update their registration to reflect their new address. Saint Lucia is divided into 17 electoral districts, with the Electoral Department revising the register annually and publishing supplementary lists twice a year. These lists are available for public review, and citizens have 12 days post-publication to file claims or objections. By January 31 each year, the register is updated to include new electors and remove ineligible names. Voters can confirm their registration details and access additional information via the Electoral Department’s website at https://www.sluelectoral.com/electoral/voter-record-search/.
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More diversity needed in SVG’s political candidates
As St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) gears up for the 2025 general elections, the selection of candidates by the two dominant political parties—the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP)—reveals persistent patterns of underrepresentation across various demographics. Despite the significant contributions of women to Vincentian society, only five women are contesting across 15 constituencies, with three representing the ULP and two for the NDP. Both parties, historically led by male lawyers, continue to reflect a lack of gender diversity in leadership roles. The dominance of legal professionals among candidates further highlights the need for broader occupational representation, including health professionals, engineers, and environmental specialists, to address the multifaceted challenges facing SVG. Age diversity also remains a concern, with party leaders in their 60s and 80s, though the ULP has made strides in fielding younger candidates. Racial, ethnic, and religious diversity among candidates is notably limited, with the majority being of Afro-descendant heritage and Christian backgrounds. LGBTQ+ representation is absent, and persons with disabilities are also underrepresented. While diversity alone does not guarantee effective governance, it ensures that the voices of all societal groups are heard in shaping national development. Moving forward, there is an urgent need for more inclusive candidate selection processes to better reflect the rich diversity of SVG’s population.
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Ecuadorian group affirms blockade on Cuba violates rights
In a recent communication to Alena Douhan, the UN Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures, the Ecuadorian organization CPAZ highlighted the detrimental effects of the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. The embargo, which has been in place for over six decades, has been described by CPAZ as ‘an act of genocide and the principal violation of human rights’ against the Cuban population. The group emphasized that the sanctions, particularly those reinforced between March 2024 and February 2025, severely impact essential sectors such as health, food, education, and technology access. CPAZ pointed out that these measures prevent Cuba from obtaining critical resources like medicines, medical equipment, agricultural inputs, credit, and advanced technologies. Additionally, the organization criticized the extraterritorial provisions of the Helms-Burton Act, which deter foreign investment and penalize third-country companies engaging with Cuba. The statement underscored the dire consequences for Cubans, including restricted access to cancer medications, HIV/AIDS treatments, diagnostic equipment, and surgical supplies, as international suppliers avoid trade with Cuba due to fear of U.S. sanctions.
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NDP launches manifesto of ‘bold, transformative plans’
The New Democratic Party (NDP), the primary opposition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), has officially launched its manifesto for the upcoming general election. Party leader Godwin Friday described the document as a blueprint for \”bold, transformative plans\” aimed at reshaping the nation over the next five years. Speaking to supporters in Keartons, Barrouallie, Friday emphasized that the manifesto encapsulates the party’s vision for economic growth, public safety, and infrastructure development.
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Israel challenges Sabby: ‘Tell them pull me file’
The political contest in South Central Windward has intensified as opposition candidate Israel Bruce demands incumbent Saboto Caesar to clarify allegations surrounding Bruce’s removal as a teacher from North Union Secondary School. Bruce, representing the New Democratic Party (NDP), challenged Caesar during a radio interview on Hot 97 FM, urging him to disclose the details he has hinted at. This marks Bruce’s second attempt to unseat Caesar, who is vying for a fourth consecutive term. Bruce dismissed the allegations, stating that teacher transfers are a routine matter under the Ministry of Education’s policies and do not require justification. He further challenged Caesar to produce his employment records, emphasizing that the Ministry maintains staff files. The rivalry between the two candidates has grown increasingly personal, with Caesar criticizing Bruce for his legal representation of individuals accused of robbing Caesar’s wife in 2018. However, Caesar did not mention that his wife later withdrew the charges voluntarily. Bruce, in turn, accused Caesar of neglecting the needs of South Central Windward, particularly regarding unemployment among young men and challenges faced by farmers. The exchange highlights the deepening animosity between the candidates as the election approaches.
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Beckles, Browne slam PM’s Caricom ‘implode’ talk
The Caribbean political landscape is witnessing heightened tensions as Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles and Senator Dr. Amery Browne have criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her stance on US military involvement in the region and her perceived divergence from Caricom’s principles. Persad-Bissessar has publicly endorsed the US military deployment in the southern Caribbean, framing it as an anti-narcotics initiative, despite international concerns over potential extrajudicial killings. Her position starkly contrasts with Caricom’s long-standing advocacy for the Caribbean to remain a ‘zone of peace,’ a stance supported by leaders like Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. In a recent interview, Persad-Bissessar controversially predicted Caricom’s potential collapse, accusing regional leaders of meddling in member states’ affairs. Beckles, speaking at the relaunch of the Dr. Eric Williams Institute of Political Education, emphasized the importance of intellectual preparedness and regional unity in navigating geopolitical challenges. Browne, a former foreign minister, accused Persad-Bissessar of undermining Caricom’s principles and promoting violations of international law. The ongoing discord highlights deepening divisions within the Caribbean political community, with implications for regional stability and sovereignty.
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Brazil ‘very concerned’ about US naval build-up near Venezuela
Johannesburg, South Africa (AFP) – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voiced deep concern on Sunday regarding the United States’ escalating military presence near Venezuela, emphasizing the potential for conflict. Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg following the G20 summit, Lula revealed his intention to address the issue directly with US President Donald Trump. “I am very troubled by the military assets the United States has deployed in the Caribbean Sea. This situation worries me, and I plan to discuss it with President Trump,” Lula stated. He further cautioned against the dangers of military escalation, drawing parallels to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “Once a shot is fired, it becomes difficult to predict the outcome,” he warned. The US has recently positioned an aircraft carrier strike group, additional naval warships, and stealth aircraft in the vicinity of Venezuela. On Friday, the US issued a warning to civilian aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace, urging them to “exercise caution.” Since September, US forces have targeted over 20 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, resulting in more than 80 fatalities. US officials claim these operations were aimed at drug traffickers but have yet to provide substantiating evidence. The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading a “terrorist” drug cartel and has not dismissed the possibility of deploying US troops. Lula, highlighting Brazil’s shared border with Venezuela, stressed the importance of seeking a diplomatic resolution before tensions escalate further. Notably, Trump opted not to attend the G20 summit in South Africa, citing a misalignment between the summit’s focus on global trade and climate change and US policies.
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US embassy: Follow the rules, don’t jeopardise your visa
The US Embassy in Port of Spain has issued a stern warning to visa holders in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing the importance of adhering to US laws to avoid severe consequences. In a social media post on November 23, Mike Mitchell, the visa chief at the US Embassy, cautioned that violating US laws could lead to visa revocation, deportation, and ineligibility for future visas. Mitchell stressed that a US visa is a privilege, not a right, and urged visa holders to follow the rules to safeguard their travel privileges. This warning follows the recent revocation of Gary Aboud’s US visa, a prominent environmental activist and corporate secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea. Aboud speculated that his visa cancellation was linked to his criticism of US missile strikes on suspected drug boats in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific. These strikes, which have resulted in over 80 deaths, have been criticized by Aboud and international groups, including the United Nations, as illegal. Aboud, who was arrested in 2013 during a protest, received notification of his visa cancellation on November 21, citing ‘new information’ as the basis for the decision. He questioned whether the Trinidad and Tobago government influenced the decision, given Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s strong support for the US war on drug cartels. Persad-Bissessar denied any involvement, labeling Aboud’s comments as reckless.
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Padarath defends PM: She meant cuffing Imbert ‘politically’
In a heated parliamentary session on November 21, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago found herself at the center of a political storm. The incident, involving Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert, has sparked a robust defense from the United National Congress (UNC) leadership and its women’s league. Barry Padarath, Leader of Government Business and Public Utilities Minister, firmly stated that Persad-Bissessar has no need to apologize for her remarks, emphasizing that the UNC will not tolerate intimidation from any quarter. Padarath described the exchange as a response to what he termed ‘political molestation’ by Imbert, asserting that the Prime Minister stood up for herself and others who have faced similar denigration from the People’s National Movement (PNM). He highlighted a history of ‘disgusting and vile attacks’ by the PNM, questioning the silence of civil society during such incidents. The UNC Women’s League echoed Padarath’s sentiments, praising Persad-Bissessar for her strength and composure under provocation. They criticized the PNM Women’s League for demanding an apology, labeling it a misogynistic double standard. The league argued that the video evidence clearly showed Imbert’s behavior as the root of the conflict, characterizing it as ‘male intimidation’ rather than parliamentary debate. The incident unfolded during a debate on the virtual assets bill, where Persad-Bissessar and Imbert clashed over procedural matters. Imbert’s pointed remarks led to Persad-Bissessar’s sharp retort, ‘Because I will cuff you down,’ which has since become a focal point of the controversy. Padarath reiterated that the UNC will not apologize for defending itself, signaling a shift in the political dynamics of Trinidad and Tobago.