标签： Saint Lucia

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.

Keithson ‘Kiffo’ Charles, a long-time resident of Choiseul, has officially entered the political arena as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate for the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency. Despite his lack of prior political experience, Charles made a striking debut at his campaign launch on November 2, held at the La Fargue playing field. The event, described by the SLP as the largest turnout for a candidate launch this election cycle, showcased Charles’ vision for unity, cultural revival, and community development. In his inaugural speech, Charles emphasized his deep connection to the community, stating, ‘I am not a stranger asking for your vote. I am your neighbour, Kiffo, asking for your trust.’ He paid tribute to his late uncles, Dr. Augustine Charles and Joseph Charles, who were influential figures in his life, and outlined his plans to invest in youth development, restore local culture, and improve infrastructure. Charles also took aim at incumbent MP Bradley Felix, questioning his accomplishments over nine years in office. ‘Did you build the mini stadium for our youth? Did you finish the warehouses you promised?’ he challenged. Among his proposals are upgrades to the Choiseul Village Beach jetty and boardwalk, road rehabilitation, and the revival of cultural events like the Choiseul pageant and Calypso competition. Charles has already begun making tangible progress, commissioning lighting for the Delcer playing field and initiating work on the neglected Park Estate Road in Saltibus. While incumbent Bradley Felix remains confident, dismissing Charles as a ‘new candidate,’ the race is heating up, with many labeling Choiseul/Saltibus as a constituency to watch.

In a national address on November 10, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet launched a scathing critique of the current administration led by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, while outlining his party’s vision for Saint Lucia’s future. The speech came in response to Pierre’s announcement of general elections scheduled for December 1. Chastanet accused the government of “betrayal,” “corruption,” and “neglect,” particularly targeting its handling of the St Jude Hospital project. Despite claims of completion, the hospital remains non-operational, a point Chastanet emphasized as a failure of leadership. He questioned the government’s priorities, stating, “No amount of opening ceremonies will heal a single patient.” Chastanet highlighted his administration’s past achievements, including a 2.5% VAT reduction, the commissioning of OKEU Hospital, and investments in infrastructure and job creation. He contrasted these with what he described as worsening living conditions under the current government. Looking ahead, Chastanet promised initiatives such as national health insurance, free tertiary education, youth start-up grants, and mortgage guarantees. He also pledged job security and annual bonuses for public sector employees. Concluding his address, Chastanet urged voters to choose the United Workers Party for renewal, action, and results, asserting, “You deserve better.”