标签： Saint Lucia

The dissolution of Saint Lucia’s Parliament marks the beginning of a critical electoral countdown, with significant implications for governance and the democratic process. Under the Constitution, the governor-general holds the authority to dissolve Parliament, typically acting on the advice of the prime minister. However, the governor-general also possesses reserve powers to ensure stability, such as refusing a dissolution request if the government can continue without fresh elections or independently dissolving Parliament following a no-confidence vote. Once dissolved, a general election must be held within three months, as mandated by the governor-general’s writ.

Claudius Francis, Speaker of the House of Assembly, clarified that while Parliament’s dissolution halts law-making, it does not suspend the government’s operations. The national budget, passed earlier this year, ensures that spending authority remains intact. Ministers, including the prime minister, retain their powers during this period, and the prime minister can advise the governor-general to recall Parliament in emergencies. MPs, though no longer members of Parliament, continue to serve as district representatives until reelection or removal.

The appointment of the prime minister and ministers is a constitutional process. The governor-general appoints the prime minister based on their likelihood of commanding majority support in the House of Assembly, typically the leader of the winning party. Ministers are appointed on the prime minister’s advice, with the PM holding absolute authority over the Cabinet. MPs and ministers have distinct roles: MPs focus on legislation and constituency representation, while ministers manage national affairs and ministries.

Nomination day, a pivotal event in the electoral process, is governed by strict rules. Candidates must submit required documents, including nomination papers, statutory declarations, and a cash deposit, between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. Returning Officers, appointed by the governor-general, oversee the process in each constituency. If only one valid candidate is nominated, they are automatically elected. These procedures ensure fairness, transparency, and continuity in governance during elections.

In the Caribbean, particularly in Saint Lucia, the political landscape is shaped by deeply ingrained societal norms and gender stereotypes. Data reveals that the archetype of a successful politician aligns with a conservative image: a middle-aged, married, Afro-Caribbean man with a family. Women, however, face significant scrutiny and delegitimization if they do not conform to this somatic norm. Single, childless, or divorced women are often subjected to harsh criticism, with their likability and leadership capabilities questioned based on their marital status or appearance. Society’s objectification of women extends to their political roles, where their attire and physical appearance are often prioritized over their policy expertise and experience. Interestingly, women who embody traditional maternal traits—such as being caring and nurturing—sometimes leverage these qualities as political talking points. Yet, those who deviate from these norms are judged more critically, highlighting the double standards in political evaluation. Despite these challenges, women in Saint Lucia are surpassing men in educational achievements and professional experience. According to the Washington Post, Saint Lucia is one of three countries where women are more likely to hold leadership positions than men, with 52.3% of bosses being female. However, institutional barriers persist, hindering women’s political participation. UN Women highlights the disproportionate burden of family care responsibilities on women, making it difficult for them to balance domestic duties with political careers. Additionally, systemic issues such as limited access to campaign funding, political networks, and unwinnable seat placements further disadvantage women. While there are no explicit laws barring women from political office, entrenched practices within political parties perpetuate inequality. To address these issues, comprehensive measures are needed, including public education on gender equality, increased support for women candidates, and the implementation of quotas to ensure fair representation. Rahym R. Augustin-Joseph, a Rhodes Scholar and advocate for political reform, emphasizes the importance of dismantling patriarchal structures and fostering a more inclusive political environment in Saint Lucia and the broader Caribbean.

As global attention shifts between the fragile Israel-Hamas peace agreement and geopolitical tensions in Venezuela and the Pacific, a reflection on an ancient quote by Tacitus becomes strikingly relevant: ‘Rome creates a desert and calls it peace.’ This sentiment, first articulated by the Scottish chieftain Calgacus in 83 AD, continues to resonate through centuries of military interventions. Calgacus’ critique of Roman imperialism—where conquest was masked as civilization and subjugation as peace—reveals a pattern that persists in modern geopolitics. The powerful have long justified military action as liberation, violence as order, and domination as peace, often leaving behind devastation rebranded as stability. This cycle is perpetuated by the allure of decisive military action, the political safety of appearing strong, and the deferred costs borne by distant populations. The aftermath of such interventions often sees power vacuums, radicalized generations, and destabilized regions—deserts created in the name of peace. Yet, the rhetoric of victory and mission accomplished continues to overshadow the long-term consequences. Breaking this pattern requires acknowledging that military force is not a panacea, investing in diplomacy, and redefining success not by enemies killed but by conflicts resolved and societies rebuilt. The question remains: will we continue to prove Calgacus right, or will we choose a different path?

As the December 1 general election in Saint Lucia approaches, both major political parties, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP), have yet to unveil their manifestos. These documents, which serve as public declarations of a party’s policies, aims, and ideology, are crucial for voters to understand the parties’ plans for governance.

The SLP, which campaigned in 2021 on the promise to ‘put people first,’ emphasized three core values: equity, respect for the rule of law, and inclusiveness. The party highlighted the severe economic contraction Saint Lucia faced in 2020, with a 23.8% decline, and a public debt nearing $4 billion. The SLP’s manifesto outlined measures to address economic decline, including focusing on housing, expanding the digital economy, and exploring health tourism. Additionally, the party pledged to revamp the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), broaden financial services, and establish a youth economy. Other commitments included support for manufacturers and agro-processors, reestablishing banana marketing, and developing a medicinal and recreational cannabis industry. The SLP also promised to strengthen COVID-19 response, advance Universal Health Care, and enhance education by paying facility fees for all students and introducing TVET skills at the primary level.

On the other hand, the UWP, which won the 2016 election with its ‘five to stay alive’ campaign, titled its 2021 manifesto ‘5 for Five.’ The UWP countered the SLP’s narrative of economic decline, stating that Saint Lucia’s economy was poised for robust growth before the pandemic. The party’s five-point plan included introducing unemployment benefits, expanding monthly assistance for the needy, reducing VAT to 10%, and providing medical care for all. In its first 100 days, the UWP promised a $3 million Back to School Programme, unemployment insurance consultation, and national health insurance legislation. The party also pledged to support infrastructure projects like the Millennium Highway and West Coast project, as well as agricultural initiatives such as the seven-crop project and Banana Productivity Improvement Programme. The UWP’s plans for tourism included expanding hotel room stock to 8,000 and promoting village tourism. In health and education, the party proposed transforming St. Jude Hospital into a university hospital and aligning education more closely with global offerings.

Both parties have outlined comprehensive plans to address the economic, social, and political challenges facing Saint Lucia, but with the election just two weeks away, the delay in releasing their manifestos has left voters eagerly awaiting the details of their proposed policies.

As St. Lucia’s general election on December 1 approaches, the national spotlight has shifted to several pivotal constituencies that could determine the election’s outcome. From Castries East and Micoud South, where incumbent leaders defend their seats, to Choiseul, Vieux Fort South, Dennery South, and Soufriere, these races provide critical insights into the island’s evolving political landscape. In Castries East, Philip J. Pierre faces political newcomer Peter Chiquot, who emphasizes community service over personal ambition. Meanwhile, in Micoud South, Allen Chastanet contends with Shanda Lee Harracksingh, who challenges his representation record and advocates for youth development and agricultural support. Choiseul features a dynamic contest between Keithson ‘Kiffo’ Charles and Bradley Felix, both beloved by constituents and focused on infrastructure and economic development. Vieux Fort South, transitioning after the exit of former Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, sees a clash between seasoned campaign manager Danny Butcher and media personality Leanna ‘Lady Lee’ Johannes-Paul. Dennery South has gained attention due to a high-profile political defection, with Alfred Prospere and Benson Emile vying for votes on platforms of agricultural support and youth empowerment. In Soufriere, Emma Hippolyte and Herod Stanislas face off in a rematch centered on tourism, economic stability, and community development. Across these constituencies, voters prioritize infrastructure, economic opportunities, and leadership capable of delivering tangible improvements. These local issues, combined with national concerns, will shape the election’s outcome on December 1.