标签： Saint Lucia

In a significant display of regional political unity, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves has formally accepted an invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister-elect Philip J. Pierre. This confirmation follows the decisive victory of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) in the December 1 general election, where they secured a commanding 14-1 parliamentary majority.

The invitation was extended personally during a conversation between the two leaders, as documented in a public Facebook post by Gonsalves. “This morning, I spoke with my brother and comrade, Hon. Philip J Pierre,” Gonsalves stated. “In conversation, Philip extended an invitation, which I’ve accepted, to be at his swearing in ceremony on Friday December 5th. Labour stays together!”

The ceremony will mark a historic moment for Pierre, who has now achieved a record seventh consecutive term as Member of Parliament for Castries East. Following his electoral triumph, Pierre addressed supporters from his constituency office in Marchand, striking a tone of gratitude and forward-looking determination. He specifically acknowledged the “special relationship” with his constituents that made this victory possible.

While celebrating the overwhelming mandate, Prime Minister Pierre immediately shifted focus to governance priorities. He announced immediate plans including a VAT-free day and back pay for civil servants, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to economic relief measures. In a gesture of political reconciliation, Pierre also extended congratulations to United Workers Party leader Allen Chastanet, who emerged as his party’s sole successful candidate.

The new administration is expected to be formally sworn in by week’s end, with a complete Cabinet implementation anticipated by next week as the country moves forward on what Pierre described as “the right trajectory.”

The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has achieved a commanding triumph in the December 1 general election, consolidating its governance with an expanded parliamentary majority. Under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s ‘Moving Forward Together’ mandate, the party secured 14 seats, augmenting its previous majority by one. The United Workers Party (UWP) faced a near-total collapse, with only its leader, Allen Chastanet, managing to retain his seat in the UWP stronghold of Micoud South.

The electoral landscape witnessed a powerful blend of seasoned incumbents and promising newcomers. Veteran politicians Alva Baptiste and Moses Jn Baptiste both celebrated victories, securing their fifth consecutive terms in Laborie/Auguier and Vieux Fort North, respectively. Baptiste, the outgoing External Affairs Minister, credited his ‘thumping victory’ to the disciplined support and ‘love of the Red Army.’

A significant generational shift emerged as new candidates claimed decisive wins. Danny Butcher made history in Vieux Fort South by becoming the constituency’s first representative in nearly three decades not from the Anthony political dynasty. Similarly, Lisa Jawahir secured a landmark victory in Castries South East, unseating veteran politician Guy Joseph. Jawahir heralded the win as ‘a new chapter written by the people,’ emphasizing the collective determination of mothers, fathers, workers, and dreamers.

The SLP’s dominance was further reinforced by several notable retainments. Shawn Edward celebrated his fourth consecutive win in Dennery North with an impressive 766-vote margin, the largest of his political career. Jeremiah Norbert maintained control of the historically significant Micoud North seat, once held by Sir John Compton, defeating his own relative in the process. Meanwhile, Wayne Girard achieved a political milestone in Anse La Raye/Canaries, becoming the first candidate since Cyprian Lansiquot to retain the seat.

The two independent candidates aligned with the SLP also secured parliamentary positions, further strengthening the government’s mandate. The only setback for the Labour Party came in Micoud South, where Dr. Shanda Harracksingh fell to UWP leader Allen Chastanet. Despite this lone defeat, Harracksingh remained defiant, urging supporters: ‘We did not lose. We won… I will not stop, I am going again.’

The comprehensive victory signals a strong public endorsement of Prime Minister Pierre’s leadership and sets the stage for continued implementation of his administration’s policy agenda.

Dr. Ernest Hilaire, the reelected Member of Parliament for Castries South, characterized the recent election day as an exceptionally demanding experience, labeling it “brutal” following one of the most arduous campaigns of his political tenure. His remarks came as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) achieved a decisive return to governance, capturing 14 parliamentary seats. With two independent candidates openly pledging support to the incoming administration, political analysts are already interpreting the results as an effective 16-1 triumph.

Addressing supporters shortly after his electoral success, Hilaire acknowledged the tremendous strain the election had placed on both himself and his campaign team. He attributed their victory to remarkable perseverance and shared commitment to their constituency’s development agenda. “I possess the most exceptional team, truly, because today proved extraordinarily difficult,” Hilaire stated. “They comprehend the transformative vision we champion for Castries South… Substantial work remains ahead of us.”

While expressing profound gratitude toward his supporters, the parliamentarian did not refrain from critiquing his political opponent, Tommy Descartes of the United Workers Party (UWP). Hilaire accused Descartes of perpetuating outdated political tactics rather than pioneering a refreshed approach to public service. “Rather than establishing a novel trajectory for political engagement in our nation, he entrenched the familiar patterns of negativity,” Hilaire remarked.

Looking forward, Hilaire emphasized that the priority now transitions to effective governance and advancing the developmental projects and policy initiatives outlined for the Castries South constituency during the campaign.

In a monumental political achievement, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has carved his legacy in Saint Lucian history by securing an unprecedented seventh consecutive term as Member of Parliament for Castries East. His Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) delivered a decisive mandate in the December 1, 2025 general election, capturing 14 of 15 parliamentary seats.

Addressing supporters from his constituency office in Marchand on Monday evening, the 71-year-old leader expressed profound gratitude toward his supporters and campaign team. He emphasized the ‘special relationship’ he has cultivated with Castries East constituents since first contesting the seat in 1997, noting that some original campaign team members remain with him nearly three decades later.

The Prime Minister condemned the personal attacks directed at his daughter during the campaign, describing them as representing a troubling low in Saint Lucian political discourse. Despite these challenges, Pierre extended conciliatory gestures toward the opposition, specifically congratulating Allen Chastanet, the sole United Workers Party candidate to retain a parliamentary seat.

Reflecting on his political journey from parliamentary representative to cabinet minister and ultimately Prime Minister, Pierre acknowledged former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony for initially bringing him into cabinet leadership. He pledged immediate action on campaign promises, including implementing VAT-free days and ensuring public servants receive promised back pay.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to be formally sworn in by week’s end, with his new cabinet appointments expected shortly thereafter. Pierre concluded with a forward-looking statement: ‘This country is on the right trajectory, and we have to move forward together.’

In a resounding electoral triumph, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has secured a commanding parliamentary majority, winning 14 of 15 seats in Monday’s general elections. The victory marks Pierre’s unprecedented seventh consecutive term representing Castries East, solidifying his political legacy.\n\nAddressing supporters from his constituency office in Marchand, the Prime Minister expressed profound humility regarding the public’s renewed confidence in his leadership. \”I remain humbled by the trust placed in me,\” Pierre stated, emphasizing his commitment to collaborative governance. \”We will move forward together as the country enters its new term.\”\n\nThe electoral outcome delivered a decisive rebuke to the United Workers Party (UWP), which secured only a single seat. Independent parliamentarians Richard Frederick (Castries Central) and Stephenson King (Castries North) both retained their positions, adding complexity to the parliamentary landscape.\n\nPierre specifically acknowledged the enduring support from constituents who have stood with him since his initial 1997 campaign, noting these long-term relationships reflect a deep bond between representative and community. He extended gratitude to family members, party workers, and public servants—including medical staff, law enforcement, and correctional facility employees—for their national service.\n\nThe Prime Minister condemned the deterioration of political discourse during the campaign, particularly referencing personal attacks against his daughter. \”I feel very sad that Saint Lucian politics reached the depth it reached,\” he remarked, expressing hope that future opposition parties would maintain higher ethical standards.\n\nIn a gesture of political reconciliation, Pierre congratulated Allen Chastanet, the sole successful UWP candidate, affirming that \”there is a place in Parliament for the opposition.\\” The Prime Minister credited former PM Dr. Kenny Anthony for initially bringing him into cabinet leadership.\n\nLooking forward, Pierre announced imminent policy implementations including VAT-free days and promised back pay for public servants. He expects to be sworn in by week’s end with cabinet appointments following next week, declaring \”this country is on the right trajectory\” toward continued progress.

In a landmark political development, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has achieved a historic consecutive electoral victory, marking the first time since 2001 that any political party has secured back-to-back general election wins on the Caribbean island nation.

By 10:30 p.m. on election night, the SLP appeared poised to capture at least 13 seats in the 17-seat House of Assembly—matching their 2021 performance—with the potential for a 14th seat as the tightly contested Dennery South constituency remained undecided.

The government’s position has been substantially strengthened by the alignment of two independent parliamentarians, Richard Frederick and Stephenson King, both former ministers in the outgoing Cabinet. Their support provides additional stability to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s administration.

This electoral outcome delivers a powerful endorsement of Prime Minister Pierre’s leadership and represents a dramatic shift in Saint Lucia’s political landscape, breaking a persistent two-decade pattern where incumbent governments consistently failed to secure second terms.

Prime Minister Pierre expressed both relief and satisfaction, telling journalists, “It is a day of celebration.” He commended Saint Lucian citizens for conducting what he characterized as a peaceful and “decent” electoral process, highlighting it as evidence of the nation’s robust democratic traditions. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the dedication of party members while noting the personal attacks many endured during the campaign period.

Pierre voiced optimism that this victory might signal the end of an era dominated by “lies and misinformation” in political discourse. Official swearing-in ceremonies for the returning government are anticipated later this week.

Meanwhile, the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) faced devastating losses. Bradley Felix, one of only two UWP members of parliament, was defeated in his Choiseul constituency by Labour’s Keithson Charles. This leaves UWP leader Allen Chastanet with a single confirmed seat, prompting serious questions about both his leadership and the party’s future trajectory.

The Micoud North constituency witnessed robust electoral participation during recent polling activities, with representatives from major political parties reporting generally positive voter engagement. United Workers Party (UWP) candidate Elisha Norbert conducted extensive visits to multiple polling stations, observing what he described as “quite encouraging” turnout numbers. He expressed gratitude to constituents who endured waiting lines to exercise their democratic rights.

His opponent, incumbent Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) representative Jeremiah Norbert, reported similar observations regarding voter enthusiasm. “I’m happy with the rate at which I see the lines moving,” the defending candidate remarked, acknowledging the consistent flow of voters throughout the morning hours.

Despite the overall positive atmosphere, the electoral process encountered minor operational challenges. Elisha Norbert highlighted instances where some prospective voters were reportedly turned away from polling stations due to identification issues or unclear instructions from election officials. These incidents prompted the UWP candidate to advocate for enhanced civic education initiatives, suggesting that voting procedures should be incorporated into school curricula to better prepare future electorates.

Both candidates transcended partisan perspectives to reflect on the broader significance of democratic participation. Elisha Norbert emphasized the importance of unity and progress, stating: “Every election day should be a day that makes St. Lucia better and not worse.” He envisioned elections evolving into “more of an enjoyable experience and not a tense one” in future cycles.

Voters themselves expressed diverse motivations for participation. One resident described the voting process as remarkably efficient, noting that the actual ballot casting took approximately twenty seconds. Another voter cited satisfaction with current governance as their primary motivation, while a first-time voter simply sought “better” outcomes through democratic engagement.

The Choiseul/Saltibus constituency witnessed an unprecedented electoral engagement as citizens formed extensive queues at polling stations well before sunrise on Election Day. By 5:30 a.m., multiple polling divisions reported significant voter presence, signaling what political analysts describe as a potentially decisive contest between the main contenders.

Bradly Felix, representing the United Workers Party (UWP), and Keithson “Kiffo” Charles of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) commenced their day by casting their respective votes before embarking on final constituency-wide assessments. Both candidates conducted last-minute evaluations of voter sentiment across the electoral district.

At the Mongouge Combined School’s I2 polling division, Felix provided initial observations to St Lucia Times correspondents, noting substantially improved participation metrics compared to previous elections. “The turnout demonstrates significant expansion beyond 2021 electoral statistics,” Felix remarked, expressing measured optimism regarding his electoral prospects based on overwhelmingly positive feedback from constituents.

Meanwhile, at the Choiseul Secondary School’s I3 polling division, Charles articulated equal confidence in the electorate’s readiness for political transformation. Standing among fellow voters, the SLP representative affirmed his belief that Choiseul/Saltibus residents would exercise judicious voting judgment. “We anticipate optimal results indicating a progressive new chapter,” Charles stated, referencing the constituency’s potential political renaissance.

The remarkable morning turnout, coupled with both candidates’ expressed assurance, has intensified anticipation for the evening’s ballot counting process. Electoral officials confirmed streamlined operations across all polling stations, with preliminary results expected to determine the constituency’s political trajectory for the forthcoming term.