Castries South MP and Deputy Leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) Dr. Ernest Hilaire paid tribute to the electorate Monday night following the party’s emphatic victory at the polls, crediting voters for standing firm in what he described as a hard-fought campaign and pledging a new phase of national development.
Addressing jubilant supporters after results confirmed the SLP’s landslide win, Hilaire said the path to victory had not been easy, noting that the party had faced sustained opposition throughout the campaign.
“Tonight was not easy. They came after us with everything they had. But we prevailed because of you, the people,” Hilaire told the crowd.
He reflected on the challenges of the past four and a half years, saying public support sustained him throughout his political journey.
“Whatever I had to go through for the last four and a half years, I survived because of you, the strength you gave me and the support you gave me,” he said, echoing Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s remarks on perseverance and unity.
Hilaire also highlighted the work undertaken since returning to office, particularly efforts to repair what he described as damage caused under the previous administration. He said the focus would now shift from recovery to advancement.
“For the last four and a half years we have been repairing the damage. Now we start taking you to another level altogether,” he declared.
Extending an olive branch to political rivals and undecided voters, Hilaire called for unity and inclusiveness moving forward, inviting all Saint Lucians to participate in building the country’s future. “Those who want to be on this train to build a newer Saint Lucia are welcome. We are moving forward together. We are going to build a better Saint Lucia,” he said.
Assuring supporters that greater accomplishments lie ahead, Hilaire stated with optimism, “The best is yet to come. I know the plans we have for you.”
The SLP’s decisive victory in the December 1 general election resulted in the party winning an overwhelming majority 14 of the island’s 17 seats, with two going to independent candidates and one to the Inited Workers Party. The new administration is expected to move swiftly to implement its development agenda as preparations begin for the new parliamentary term.
