标签： Saint Lucia

Stanley Felix, former President of the Senate and independent candidate, officially kicked off his campaign season with a public meeting in New Village on Tuesday night. Under the banner ‘Serving People, Stirring Change,’ Felix unveiled his comprehensive plans to address key social issues in Castries Central, including improved housing access, support for single mothers, and government-sponsored bus passes for schoolchildren. Felix, who announced his independent candidacy on October 13 via DBS Television, is making a political comeback after narrowly losing the Castries Central seat in 2011. This time, he will face Richard Frederick, now representing the Labour Party, and Rosh Clarke of the United Workers Party (UWP), both running as independents. Felix emphasized that his decision to re-enter politics stems from a commitment to directly serve the people and tackle long-standing challenges in the constituency. He pledged to make land more accessible for young families, enabling them to build stable lives. Additionally, Felix proposed a government-funded bus pass program for schoolchildren, addressing the financial burden on parents. He also highlighted the struggles of single mothers, promising to introduce social programs and after-school workshops to empower them. Reflecting on Castries Central’s past as a thriving hub of sports, culture, and talent, Felix vowed to restore its vitality and urged residents to join his ‘Orange Movement’ for transformative change.

The United Kingdom has ceased sharing intelligence with the United States regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, citing concerns over the legality of US military strikes. According to sources familiar with the matter, the UK believes these strikes violate international law and does not wish to be complicit in what it considers illegal actions. This decision marks a significant departure from the UK’s traditionally close intelligence-sharing relationship with the US and reflects growing skepticism about the US military’s campaign in Latin America. For years, the UK, which controls several Caribbean territories housing intelligence assets, has assisted the US in locating suspected drug vessels for interdiction by the US Coast Guard. However, after the US began launching lethal strikes against these vessels in September, the UK grew concerned that its intelligence might be used to select targets for these attacks. The intelligence pause began over a month ago, coinciding with the UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk’s condemnation of the strikes as “extrajudicial killings.” The UK aligns with this assessment, sources told CNN. The British Embassy in Washington and the White House declined to comment, while a Pentagon official stated that the department does not discuss intelligence matters. The Trump administration has defended the strikes, arguing that suspected traffickers pose an imminent threat to Americans and are “enemy combatants” in an “armed conflict” with the US. However, legal experts and senior US defense officials have questioned the legality of the campaign, with some expressing concerns that the strikes violate international law. Canada, another key US ally, has also distanced itself from the military strikes while continuing its partnership with the US Coast Guard under Operation Caribbean.

In preparation for the upcoming general election on December 1, Saint Lucia has officially appointed 17 returning officers to oversee voting across the island’s constituencies. The appointments, announced in an extraordinary issue of the Saint Lucia Government Gazette, were made by the Electoral Commission in compliance with Section 29 of the Elections Act. Notable appointees include Jean Morille for Gros Islet, Marva Daniel for Babonneau, and Jonathan H. Emmanuel for Castries North. The Castries area will also be managed by Winston Phulgence (East), Juliana Prospere (Central), Irwin Jean (South), and Brenda Calixte (South/East). Other returning officers include Mark Thomas for Anse La Raye/Canaries, Dominique Prospere for Soufriere, Marietta Fontenard for Choiseul, Francisca Saturina Louisy for Laborie, Karen Tobierre for Vieux Fort South, Lucretia Poleon for Vieux Fort North, Pius Bastien for Micoud South, Secodina Alcee for Micoud North, Brenda Paul for Dennery South, and Patrick Freeman for Dennery North. Additionally, the Electoral Commission confirmed Zilta George-Leslie and Michael Flood as commissioners, with Maureen John-Xavier appointed as chairperson. Nomination Day is scheduled for November 21, with prospective candidates required to submit nomination papers endorsed by at least six registered electors, along with a $500 cash deposit, a signed consent form, and a recent color passport photograph.

Despite a crushing defeat in the previous general election, attorney Michael St Catherine has reentered the political arena, declaring his candidacy as an independent for the Micoud North constituency in the upcoming December 1, 2025, election. St Catherine made the announcement on November 11, emphasizing the need for change and improved representation in the region. In his statement, he criticized the current state of affairs, highlighting the lack of respect for workers and the inadequacies of inexperienced leaders. He urged constituents to embrace those with genuine intentions and proper preparation. St Catherine attributed his decision to run again to “divine inspiration” and widespread encouragement from supporters across the nation. He referenced his 15-point plan from the last election, stating that his campaign is already in motion and will soon be visible throughout the constituency. St Catherine expressed his commitment to creating job opportunities and improving the lives of Micoud residents. In the 2021 general election, he garnered only 28 votes, a stark contrast to the 1,731 votes secured by UWP candidate Gale Rigobert and the 2,283 votes won by SLP’s Jeremiah Norbert. St Catherine will face incumbent Jeremiah Norbert and UWP’s Elisha Norbert, both cousins, in the upcoming election. He called for an end to family disputes over power and a focus on the betterment of the community.

House Speaker Claudius Francis has taken a proactive stance in addressing widespread misconceptions about Saint Lucia’s election laws and voting procedures. Speaking at the launch of Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate Keithson Charles for the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency, Francis provided detailed clarifications on key aspects of the electoral process. He emphasized that employees are legally entitled to take sufficient time off to vote without facing pay deductions. “A minimum of two hours—or however long it takes—is guaranteed. Employers who deduct wages for additional time spent voting risk legal consequences,” he stated. Francis urged employees facing such issues to report them to the Labour Department or the Electoral Commission. On voter identification, he clarified that expired IDs are acceptable for voting, as the expiration date is irrelevant for electoral purposes. He also explained residency requirements, noting that voters must reside in their constituency for at least two months before the qualifying date, which is February 15 for elections in the first half of the year and July 15 for those in the second half. Francis highlighted provisions for persons with disabilities, including interpreter services and assistance for the physically incapacitated and blind. Overseas citizens without valid IDs can still vote by taking an oath, though lying during the process carries legal penalties. He also addressed attire on election day, stating that while party colors are allowed, explicit campaign messages are prohibited. Francis praised Saint Lucia’s Elections Bill as one of the most comprehensive and fair electoral frameworks globally, ensuring inclusivity and transparency.