标签： Saint Lucia

In a bold move to engage the electorate, United Workers Party (UWP) Political Leader Allen Chastanet has publicly challenged Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to a national debate on policy issues. Speaking to supporters in Anse La Raye following the announcement of the December 1 general election, Chastanet emphasized that Saint Lucians deserve a transparent and honest discussion between political leaders. He urged Pierre to set a date for what he termed an “open and honest conversation” about the nation’s future. This challenge comes just six days after Prime Pierre expressed conditional openness to a televised debate, provided it is structured and fact-based. Pierre had previously remarked, “Well-structured debates are very good, but you can only debate when your debater is living in the world of reality.” Despite similar calls in past election cycles, no debates have materialized. With only 21 days of campaigning remaining, many question whether such an event can be organized in time. However, political observers argue that a televised debate could provide voters with much-needed clarity on critical policies, addressing funding, timelines, and feasibility in ways that rallies and soundbites often fail to do. Development professional Ajani Lebourne, who focuses on youth, politics, and leadership, has also advocated for a leaders’ debate, warning that declining voter participation threatens the country’s democratic health. Saint Lucia Rhodes Scholar Rahym Augustin-Joseph echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for detailed analysis of party platforms and leadership styles. Both men agree that a national debate is essential to restore trust in political institutions and ensure the electorate makes informed decisions.

Saint Lucia is gearing up for a pivotal general election on December 1, 2025, following Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s announcement on November 9. This election marks a critical juncture in the nation’s democratic journey, characterized by its electoral system, voting patterns, and the enduring rivalry between the two dominant political parties. The phrase ‘ring the bell,’ which signifies the commencement of the electoral process, has its roots in the British Parliament, where bells were historically used to summon members to vote. In the United States, the Justice Bell in Philadelphia famously celebrated women’s suffrage in 1920. Today, division bells are commonly used in legislative bodies to signal voting periods. The announcement of the election date also triggers the dissolution of Parliament, a process outlined in the Constitution. According to Section 55(1), the Governor-General may dissolve Parliament on the advice of the Prime Minister, except in specific constitutional circumstances. Parliament automatically dissolves five years after its first sitting if not dissolved sooner. Upon dissolution, the House of Assembly and Senate cease to meet, no new laws can be passed, and all Members of Parliament vacate their seats. Parliamentary work is paused until a new Parliament is elected, rendering the institution non-functional during this period. The election timeline includes a 21-day campaign period, with Nomination Day set for November 21. Candidates must meet stringent eligibility criteria, including citizenship, age, residency, and proficiency in English. Saint Lucia’s political history since gaining independence from Britain on February 22, 1979, has been marked by the alternating dominance of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP). The upcoming election could have been delayed until November 2026, but the decision to hold it in December aligns with historical precedents. Notably, every election won by the SLP has occurred in an odd-numbered year. As the nation prepares to exercise its democratic right, the election promises to be a significant event in Saint Lucia’s political landscape.

As Saint Lucia’s general election approaches, Castries South East has become a focal point of political attention, with two candidates presenting starkly different visions for the constituency’s future. Lisa C. Jawahir, the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s (SLP) newly launched candidate, is championing sustainability and eco-tourism, while Guy Joseph of the United Workers Party (UWP) is emphasizing practical, community-driven projects.

Lisa Jawahir, officially introduced as the SLP candidate on September 21, aims to succeed outgoing MP Joachim Henry. Her campaign centers on unlocking the constituency’s potential through initiatives like upgrading sporting facilities, promoting agribusiness, and positioning Castries South East as a hub for eco-tourism. Jawahir, a native of Forestière, has already gained national and regional recognition, including her recent election as vice president of ParlAmericas Caribbean’s Gender Equality Network. She has pledged to prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and climate-conscious development.

In contrast, Guy Joseph, a three-term former MP, is focusing on immediate, tangible benefits for the community. His campaign highlights projects such as creating a dirt bike track near Bexon playing fields and organizing events like a fresh meat festival in Marc to stimulate local businesses. Joseph, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep roots in the area, has a track record of spearheading infrastructure projects, including affordable housing developments and road improvements during his parliamentary tenure.

Castries South East, one of the largest constituencies in the Castries District, is home to 16,140 residents across rural and semi-urban communities. Despite its potential, the area faces persistent challenges, including poor road conditions, flooding, and limited youth opportunities. While recent projects like drainage improvements and slope stabilization have been completed, residents argue that more needs to be done to address these issues and realize the constituency’s full potential.

As the election draws near, voters in Castries South East must choose between Joseph’s focus on practical, community-based economic initiatives and Jawahir’s vision of sustainable development and eco-tourism. The outcome will shape the future of this diverse and dynamic constituency.

In a surprising move, St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has announced a general election for December 1, nearly a year ahead of schedule. This decision has sparked widespread discussion, particularly from political analyst Peter Wickham, who initially predicted Pierre would delay the election until the completion of a major hospital project. Wickham, a prominent regional pollster and director of Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), described the Prime Minister’s decision as an act of ‘political bravery,’ potentially catching the opposition off guard. The governing Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) are now locked in a heated debate over the hospital’s completion status, with Wickham suggesting Pierre’s timing reflects a strategic assessment of political advantage. UWP leader Allen Chastanet has dismissed claims of unpreparedness, asserting his party’s readiness for the contest. However, Wickham noted that the early election disrupts the opposition’s usual regrouping rhythm, giving the incumbent SLP a potential edge. Historically, early elections in the Caribbean have often signaled government instability, but Wickham emphasized that Pierre’s move appears driven by confidence in his advantageous position. The upcoming election marks a critical test for St. Lucia’s political landscape, as no party has secured consecutive terms in over two decades. Wickham highlighted Pierre’s strong position, citing his decisive 2021 victory and the public’s apparent desire for stability. Meanwhile, the UWP, despite its 2021 defeat, has rebuilt its roster with 12 new candidates, a move Wickham credited to Chastanet’s leadership. Nevertheless, the UWP faces significant challenges, including limited voter familiarity with its new candidates. Wickham refrained from predicting the election outcome, noting the short campaign period and the dynamic nature of the race.

In a candid interview with St. Lucia Times, Allen Chastanet, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) and former Prime Minister, highlighted the pressing issues plaguing Saint Lucia, including soaring living costs, deteriorating public services, and escalating crime. Chastanet warned that the nation cannot sustain its current trajectory under the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration, led by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who recently announced a general election for December 1. Chastanet outlined what he termed as the most urgent failures of the current government and signaled the priorities of a UWP-led administration. He identified the cost of living as the paramount concern, attributing its sharp rise to unprecedented tax increases by the SLP, compounded by post-COVID-19 inflation. Chastanet criticized the health and security levy, arguing it failed to deliver promised funding, and lamented the government’s inability to cap fuel prices, which has further burdened consumers. He also pointed to the declining state of healthcare, citing the exodus of medical professionals and the government’s reliance on Cuban doctors and nurses, a program now jeopardized by U.S. visa restrictions. Chastanet questioned the viability of the proposed universal healthcare system, warning of potential VAT increases, and contrasted it with the UWP’s national health insurance model. He also criticized the delayed completion of St. Jude Hospital, despite Prime Minister Pierre’s announcement of its completion. On crime, Chastanet noted an increasing homicide rate and ineffective government response, pledging tighter border control and decisive action under a UWP government. He also highlighted delays in major infrastructure projects, water shortages, and the neglect of agriculture, promising to revive key crops and support farmers. Chastanet called for a more sophisticated approach to evaluating tourism performance, emphasizing the importance of bed nights and visitor spending over mere arrival numbers. He reaffirmed support for community tourism, promising to provide local investors with the necessary support to succeed.