标签： Saint Lucia

In a move to honor the democratic process and national leadership, the government has announced an early dismissal for all public sector employees at noon on Friday, December 5, 2025. This special half-day holiday coincides with the official swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who is poised to begin his second term in office.

The Prime Minister’s Office formally disclosed this arrangement, characterizing it as a symbolic gesture that highlights the historical importance of the occasion. The early closure is designed to enable civil servants to either witness or actively participate in the national event, thereby fostering a sense of collective engagement and civic pride.

While non-essential government operations will pause, the administration has confirmed that all essential services will continue without interruption. Individual ministries and departments have been instructed to implement appropriate staffing plans to maintain critical public services throughout the afternoon.

Furthermore, the government has extended a recommendation to private sector employers, encouraging them to similarly release their staff early where operationally feasible. This appeal aims to maximize public involvement in what is being promoted as a unifying national moment.

In an official communication, the government expressed profound appreciation for the dedication of public officers and extended an invitation to all citizens to partake in this celebration of democratic continuity and national unity.

In a notable display of regional diplomacy, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued formal congratulations to both the victorious administration and opposition leadership following Saint Lucia’s December 1st general election. Through official social media channels, Holness commended Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s re-election while simultaneously acknowledging Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s democratic contributions.

The Jamaican leader emphasized the critical importance of sustained collaboration among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations during this period of regional challenges. Holness specifically highlighted shared concerns including climate resilience, post-pandemic economic recovery, and regional security coordination as areas requiring unified leadership.

In his address to Prime Minister Pierre, Holness underscored the significance of continued partnership between Caribbean governments, noting that ‘regional unity and strong democratic leadership remain essential’ for addressing common challenges. The message reinforced Jamaica’s commitment to multilateral cooperation within the CARICOM framework.

Separately, Holness recognized Opposition Leader Chastanet’s dedication to democratic principles, stating: ‘I wish to acknowledge Mr. Allen Chastanet for his commitment to the strong democratic traditions of our region and his continued service to the people of St. Lucia.’ The statement extended best wishes for Chastanet’s ongoing political service to both Saint Lucia and the broader Caribbean community.

This diplomatic outreach occurs amidst increasing regional integration efforts, with Caribbean nations seeking strengthened cooperation on economic, environmental, and security matters. The bilateral exchange between Jamaican and Saint Lucian leadership signals continuing political alignment within the Eastern Caribbean political landscape.

In a dramatic development during Saint Lucia’s general elections, law enforcement officials confirmed the detention of United Workers Party (UWP) candidate Tommy Descartes on December 1. The incident occurred in the Castries South constituency following reports of alleged electoral misconduct.

Police authorities disclosed that during their intervention, officers discovered approximately $30,000 in cash on Descartes’ person. The candidate was subsequently taken into custody for questioning regarding potential vote-buying activities. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Descartes was released the same day pending further investigation, with authorities remaining tight-lipped about potential charges.

The detained politician vehemently denied the accusations in a social media address delivered on December 3. Through an emotionally charged video published on his official Facebook platform, Descartes characterized the incident as a politically motivated fabrication orchestrated by opposing forces.

“This constitutes nothing more than fabricated information,” Descartes asserted. “These tactics represent the Labour Party’s established methodology to undermine credible opposition candidates and create distrust toward the United Workers Party. If this episode signals what we should anticipate in the coming five years, our nation must prepare for extensive political persecution and intimidation campaigns.”

The National Elections Commission has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, while international election observers continue monitoring the electoral process for irregularities. This development occurs amidst heightened political tensions in the Caribbean nation, where allegations of electoral misconduct have historically surfaced during closely contested elections.

The electoral contest in Saint Lucia’s Dennery South constituency has concluded with a definitive victory for incumbent candidate Alfred Prospere following an official recount. The final tally, conducted in accordance with Section 65 of the Elections Act (1979), revealed Prospere secured 1,566 votes against United Workers Party candidate Benson Emile’s 1,507 votes, establishing a winning margin of 59 votes.

This outcome represents the slimmest electoral margin in an election otherwise dominated by the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s (SLP) overwhelming parliamentary majority. The constituency demonstrated exceptional voter engagement, recording a 56% turnout rate—the second highest nationally, surpassed only by Soufrière’s 61% participation.

The recount process commenced at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, with the returning officer supervising the review of ballot boxes in the presence of candidate agents. This procedural verification included re-examination of previously rejected ballots before final confirmation of results.

Prospere, who currently serves as Minister for Agriculture pending new cabinet appointments, previously unseated UWP incumbent Edmund Estephane in the 2021 elections with a more substantial margin of 1,548 to 1,364 votes. His re-election marks at least the third consecutive instance of a two-term parliamentary representative for the Dennery South constituency.

The electoral writ of declaration must be formally delivered to the Chief Electoral Officer by Friday, December 5, barring any formal objections to the confirmed results.

In an unprecedented electoral triumph, Gros Islet has returned Kenson Casimir of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to parliament with a record-breaking margin of victory. Official results confirm Casimir secured 8,175 votes, surpassing United Workers Party (UWP) challenger Marcella Johnson by 4,314 votes—the largest victory margin in the constituency’s history and the first back-to-back win since Mario Michel’s tenure (1997-2006).

The landmark result came during Saint Lucia’s December 1 general election that saw the SLP secure 14 parliamentary seats alongside two independents and UWP leader Allen Chastanet. Casimir’s victory speech, broadcast via livestream as he toured the celebrating constituency, acknowledged the historic nature of the mandate: “Thank you for making history today! A margin of over 4,000 votes—never before in Saint Lucia’s history.”

His opponent, Marcella Johnson, conceded gracefully in a social media statement, reflecting that while unsuccessful, her campaign had built “something far greater than a simple victory or defeat.” She extended sincere well-wishes to Casimir, expressing hopes that “God guide your decisions, strengthen your purpose and bless your service to Gros Islet.”

The electoral outcome followed Casimir’s first term that delivered substantial infrastructure improvements including upgraded sporting facilities (Baba Lastic Grounds, Monchy playing field), road repairs, bus shelters, a new commercial center, expanded Gros Islet Polyclinic, Police Headquarters construction, and the Gros Islet Beach Park development. The constituency has also attracted significant tourism investment, notably the A’ila Resorts project.

Campaign debates centered on traffic congestion along Rodney Bay Highway and rising living costs, with Johnson pledging coastal reconstruction to stimulate business activity. Casimir faced—and denied—opposition allegations regarding real estate acquisitions, dismissing them as a “smear campaign.” His platform emphasized continuing development initiatives, with major road works and dual-carriage expansions scheduled to address the rapidly growing district’s congestion issues.

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.