Former UWP Minister Edmund Estephane Throws Support Behind SLP, Citing Leadership Failures
In a dramatic shift that has reverberated through Saint Lucia’s political landscape, former United Workers Party (UWP) Trade, Industry, Commerce and Sports Minister Edmund Estephane publicly endorsed the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) on Wednesday evening, signaling a decisive break from his former party.
Speaking to a packed audience in La Caye, Dennery, Estephane praised the work of sitting MP Alfred Prospere and the leadership of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, calling for a renewed commitment to governance rooted in honesty, accountability, and service to the people. “This is about truth. It’s about our children, our future, and the dignity of our people,” Estephane declared. “The United Workers Party I knew no longer exists. What stands today is a party disconnected from the people it claims to serve.”
Estephane, who represented Dennery South in previous parliaments, pointed to what he described as the elitist and self-serving politics under former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet’s leadership, saying that the party had “lost its moral compass.”
The former minister’s support of the SLP comes amid heightened attention on political defections within the UWP, following high-profile exits by Andy Daniel, former UWP Chairman and Speaker of the House, and Stephenson King, former Minister for Health and Infrastructure. Both have publicly voiced concerns over the party’s direction in recent years.
Estephane addressed criticisms from opposition supporters regarding his backing of his brother, John Paul Estephane, the SLP-endorsed candidate for Babonneau. Defiant, he asked rhetorically, “What is wrong with supporting my brother? I have lived here, I have seen the struggles of my people, and I will not apologize for standing on the side of honesty and service.”
During his address, Estephane repeatedly highlighted the importance of teamwork and people-centered governance, emphasizing Prime Minister Pierre’s responsiveness and dedication. “Philip Joseph Pierre listens. He cares. This is our Saint Lucia, and together we will continue to build it under leadership that values the people,” he said.
Visibly signaling his allegiance, Estephane donned a red shirt on stage, a symbolic gesture of support for the SLP. He thanked the party and constituents for welcoming him and his brother, highlighting his belief in continuity, unity, and the “impact that matters” over political rivalries and character attacks.
“This is our Saint Lucia…This is red. That’s the mood. That’s the mood…Never again I will stand by and watch my country be led by someone who cannot feel the heartbeat of the people.”
