Another prominent United Workers Party member has publicly broken ranks, this time throwing his full support behind Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and the Saint Lucia Labour Party ahead of the December 1st general election.
On Wednesday evening in Gros Islet, economist Claudius Preville, dressed in Labour Party red, mounted the political platform and delivered a blistering takedown of UWP leader Allen Chastanet while urging Saint Lucians to return Pierre to office for a second term.
Preville, notably the brother of UWP Babonneau candidate Titus Preville, is a former challenger for the party’s leadership, electrified the crowd as he declared his endorsement of Gros Islet MP Kenson Casimir and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
Preville told supporters that national development cannot be built on “overnight promises,” insisting that progress requires long-term planning, stability, and proven leadership.
“A nation cannot develop in one year or in five years. It takes decades, sound policies, proper planning, and steady hands,” Preville said. “God has given us a leader such as Philip J. Pierre to grow our economy and build a prosperous nation for all of us.”
He urged voters to remember the conditions in the country prior to July 2021, painting a grim picture of the Chastanet administration.
Preville accused the former government of presiding over what he described as economic decline, the collapse of key sectors, and hardship among ordinary citizens. He referenced business closures, high unemployment, the dismantling of the Distress Fund, and what he called “mismanagement and arrogance at the highest level.”
“Sons and daughters of Saint Lucia, this is why in 2021 we voted out Chastanet,” he declared. “And on December 1st, we are going to re-elect Philip J. Pierre and the Labour Party. This time, we’re going for all 17 seats.”
Preville highlighted what he described as the “strong track record” of the Pierre administration over the past four years, citing:
* Unemployment falling to single digits
* Record foreign investments
* Over $1 billion in CIP revenue
* Increased accountability in the Citizenship by Investment Programme
* Completion of the St. Jude Hospital
* Major upgrades to the nation’s seaports
* Expanded police resourcing
* Free CXC subjects per household
* Revitalization of Saint Lucia Jazz and the creative industries
Growth in sports infrastructure and rising national athletic performance
Preville also praised the Labour Party’s recently launched election manifesto, calling it “a demonstration of leadership and vision,” and highlighted proposed initiatives in youth development, volunteerism, creative arts, and sports.
But his strongest message was reserved for election day.
Warning of alleged financial inducements circulating ahead of the vote, Preville urged supporters to turn out early, mobilize undecided voters, and secure a Labour Party victory.
“On December 1st, come out from 5 am. Find every Labourite, every independent voter, take them to the polls,” he urged. “The election will not be won on Labour votes alone. It will be tight. We must protect the gains we’ve made under Philip J. Pierre.”
