标签： Saint Lucia

As he gears up for his own electoral battle in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has extended a public endorsement to Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) in the lead-up to their December 1 general election. In a recent interview with SVG TV, Gonsalves expressed his unwavering support for Pierre and the SLP, referring to them as a “sister party.” He emphasized the solidarity between their respective Labour movements, underscoring the deep political alliance shared by the two leaders. Gonsalves, confident in his Unity Labour Party’s prospects for re-election, also revealed plans to travel to Castries, Saint Lucia, to join Pierre during the final stages of the campaign. “At the invitation of Philip Pierre, I will be in Saint Lucia at least for the final rally,” he stated. “I have to be there with my Labour comrade.” This endorsement not only reinforces the camaraderie between Gonsalves and Pierre but also highlights the interconnectedness of Labour parties across the Caribbean region.

On December 1, voters in Castries South, Saint Lucia, will cast their ballots in a pivotal election that will shape the constituency’s future for the next five years. The contest features two contrasting candidates: Dr. Ernest Hilaire, a seasoned politician and Deputy Prime Minister, and Tommy Descartes, a first-time candidate with a technocratic background. The election is not just a battle between party loyalties but also a clash of visions for a district that has become a symbol of national pride and political ambition. Castries South, a constituency within Saint Lucia’s capital, has garnered international attention since Julien Alfred, a native of Ciceron, won the country’s first Olympic gold medal. The area boasts significant infrastructure, including the Dr. Winston C.V. Parris Medical Complex, Owen King European Union Hospital, and Tapion Hospital. It also includes Bananes Bay, a politically sensitive zone near Tapion and Hospital Road, which is expected to be impacted by the Global Port Holding redevelopment of Port Castries. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, representing the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), is seeking a third term. A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Cambridge University, and the London School of Economics, Hilaire has held numerous high-profile roles, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, CEO of Saint Lucia’s ICC Cricket World Cup operations, and Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board. His campaign emphasizes legislative achievements and resilience during his tenure, particularly during his time in opposition. Hilaire highlights the Tourism Development Act as a key accomplishment, which he claims has incentivized local participation in the tourism industry. In contrast, Tommy Descartes, representing the United Workers Party (UWP), is a first-time candidate with a background in economics. A graduate of the University of the West Indies and the University of Nottingham, Descartes has worked with the Caribbean Development Bank, Saint Lucia’s Department of Economic Planning, and the Ministry of Equity. Descartes positions himself as a fresh, relatable alternative, focusing on youth empowerment and a ten-year development plan that includes the creation of a Youth and Sports Academy. The election will hinge on which candidate can best address pressing issues such as employment generation, infrastructure upgrades, and sports and social development initiatives. Voters will ultimately decide whether to continue with Hilaire’s experienced leadership or embrace Descartes’ new vision for Castries South.

Tommy Descartes, the United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for Castries South, has publicly challenged the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to provide a detailed account of the funds generated through the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). Speaking at a UWP rally on William Peter Boulevard, Descartes, a former chief economist in the Department of Economic Planning, raised concerns about potential under-reporting of CIP revenues. He pointed to the significant financial gains made by neighboring countries like Saint Kitts and Grenada through their CIP initiatives, suggesting that billions of dollars might be unaccounted for in Saint Lucia. Descartes emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the SLP must release the audited CIP report before the upcoming elections on December 1. Although Parliament has been dissolved, he insisted that the report should still be made public. Despite his call for accountability, Descartes expressed skepticism about the SLP’s willingness to disclose the figures, urging voters to hold the party accountable by voting them out of office.

Renowned Dennery Segment artist Kurtly Pablo made a significant political statement at a United Workers Party (UWP) rally on William Peter Boulevard, openly endorsing the party and criticizing the incumbent Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) for its alleged neglect of the creative sector. Pablo, a prominent figure in the Dennery Segment for the past eight years, accused the SLP administration of failing to provide adequate support to artists, despite the global recognition of Saint Lucian music. He emphasized the lack of a structured industry, which hinders artists from fully capitalizing on their international success. Pablo highlighted issues such as work permits and distribution deals as areas where creatives desperately need assistance. ‘Exposure without a plan doesn’t really work,’ he stated, arguing that artists often return home without tangible benefits after performing abroad. Pablo expressed confidence in the UWP, led by Allen Chastanet, as the only party committed to developing the Dennery Segment and the broader creative industry. He revealed that the UWP has already initiated collaborations with other Caribbean nations to strengthen the music sector. Pablo urged young Saint Lucians to support UWP candidates in the upcoming December 1 general election, asserting that a UWP-led government would provide the necessary resources to help artists thrive.