标签： Saint Lucia

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.”

In a spirited address to United Workers Party (UWP) supporters in Anse La Raye, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Philip J Pierre’s administration, asserting that the Labour government had “run out of ideas” and was compelled to call for a general election. Speaking at the “UWP Ring the Bell – Anse La Raye/Canaries Public Meeting” on Sunday night, Chastanet accused the government of failing to deliver on key promises, leaving it with no alternative but to “ring the bell” for elections scheduled for December 1. Chastanet highlighted the incomplete St. Jude Hospital project, which he claimed had consumed $400 million over successive administrations, as a glaring example of the government’s inefficiency. He also criticized the administration for failing to present a promised Citizenship by Investment (CIP) report to Parliament and for escalating the national debt to over $5 billion within four and a half years. Chastanet urged voters to prioritize “delivery over deception” and pledged that a UWP government would remove the 2.5% levy, reduce cooking gas prices, introduce health insurance, and finally open St. Jude Hospital. Earlier in the evening, former tourism minister and UWP candidate Dominic Fedee rallied supporters with promises of progress and long-term planning, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan “vision plan” for Anse La Raye/Canaries that would transcend political cycles. Fedee encouraged supporters to turn out in full force on election day and to bring family members along to vote.