标签： Saint Lucia

A recent incident involving schoolchildren chanting for political candidates has ignited a heated national debate about the appropriateness of minors engaging in partisan politics. Last Friday, videos surfaced on social media showing students from Ave Maria Girls School enthusiastically chanting ‘SLP! SLP!’ as Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate Richard Frederick and his entourage passed by on their way to a nomination center. The footage has drawn mixed reactions, with some condemning the act as inappropriate, while others defend it as a form of civic education. Critics, including radio host Timothy Poleon, argue that involving children in partisan activities sets a dangerous precedent. ‘It ought not to be partisan,’ Poleon emphasized, questioning whether parents were consulted. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre dismissed the criticism, framing the outcry as politically motivated. He defended the children’s right to express their political preferences, linking their support for SLP to his administration’s education policies, such as covering CXC subject fees and providing material allowances for teachers. The National Principals Association and the Ministry of Education have yet to comment on the matter, leaving the debate unresolved.

Allen Chastanet, the Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), has provided a glimpse into his prospective Cabinet should the party emerge victorious in the upcoming elections. Speaking at the UWP manifesto launch last weekend, Chastanet emphasized the party’s determination to reclaim four key constituencies: Dennery North, Dennery South, Micoud North, and Micoud South. He assured supporters that the candidates representing these areas would secure prominent roles in his Cabinet. Chastanet outlined specific ministerial assignments, including Bradley Marcelle Fulgence (Dennery North) as Minister for Agriculture and Gaming, Benson Emile (Dennery South) as Minister for Health, and Elisha Norbert (Micoud North) as Minister for Education. For his own constituency, Micoud South, Chastanet confidently declared, “Of course, the people of Micoud South, you will have the PM, your PM.” Throughout the event, Chastanet underscored the importance of unity within the UWP, asserting that only a cohesive party could effectively lead the nation. His remarks exuded confidence in the UWP’s ability to triumph on December 1, with the presented team poised to govern and guide Saint Lucia into its next chapter.

Edmund Estephane, a former minister of the United Workers Party (UWP), expressed astonishment at the unexpected reappearance of Ezekiel Joseph, the former Babonneau MP, during the UWP’s manifesto launch on November 23. Estephane, who recently declared his support for his brother, John Paul Estephane, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate for Babonneau, criticized Joseph’s decision to publicly endorse the UWP after years of internal discord within the party. Speaking on the Zafè Nous morning show, Estephane recalled Joseph’s past assertion that he would not compromise his principles for political gain. He further alleged that Joseph had previously stated he would not support Titus Preville, the UWP’s new Babonneau candidate. However, Joseph’s full endorsement of Preville during the event contradicted this claim. Estephane also highlighted that Joseph had once supported John Paul Estephane’s candidacy, making his recent endorsement even more surprising. Additionally, Estephane attributed the UWP’s internal struggles to what he described as a poor leadership decision to appoint Allen Chastanet as party leader, which he believes led to declining morale and the departure of senior members, including Stephenson King. He suggested that this internal rift had previously strained Joseph’s relationship with the party.