In an emotional and defiant address to supporters, United Workers Party (UWP) Castries South candidate Tommy Descartes reflected on the turmoil of the 2025 election season, describing the last five months as “an extraordinary period” marked by sacrifice, hostility, and unshakeable commitment to his constituents.
Speaking to a gathered crowd, Descartes recounted what he called a journey filled with “challenges, insult, ridicule, and even attacks,” noting that his team endured stoning incidents and damage to a supporter’s vehicle. Despite these hardships, he said, “not one step was taken in regret,” insisting every action was in service to the people of Castries South and St. Lucia.
Describing the now-viral Election Day confrontation with police, Descartes said three officers approached his finance manager’s vehicle alleging vote-buying. He claimed the manager cooperated fully, confirming that he had cash intended for Election Day expenses. However, Descartes told supporters that the officers seized the money and insisted he accompany them for verification — a process he says lasted 30 minutes without the cash being counted in their presence.
“Upon assessing the Elections Act, we were wrongfully detained,” he asserted, adding that social media quickly exploded with false reports of his arrest. “I even saw memes of myself behind bars,” he said. “I’m sorry to disappoint you — I cannot tell you what the inside of a cell looks like.”
Describing the incident as a dangerous precedent, Descartes warned that “if we keep our guards down, we will witness a new wave of political victimisation.” He claimed to have received calls warning that political figures were “intent on ending” his career, saying, “And we all know why, I speak truth to power.”
Despite the election loss, Descartes said he remains unwavering in his commitment to Castries South, declaring that his defeat at the polls marked “not an end, but a new beginning.”
He thanked campaign volunteers, youth groups, committee members, elders, and families who supported his movement, stressing that his dedication to the constituency is rooted far deeper than politics. “To the people of Castries South, hear me well: I am not going anywhere. My love for this constituency did not begin with politics, and it certainly does not end here.”
He promised to continue walking through communities, listening to concerns, and serving residents in any way possible. “Today we look forward, not backward. We remain committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of St. Lucia.”
Describing elections as moments of hope, disappointment, and reflection, Descartes urged supporters to maintain love for country above all else.
