Gros Islet MP Kenson Casimir has delivered a wide-ranging account of development across his constituency, using his budget contribution to highlight infrastructure gains while warning that vulnerable communities still face urgent risks.
Positioning Gros Islet as central to national growth, Casimir argued that investment in the constituency carries significant economic and social returns. He described it as “the most development sensitive constituency,” adding that any administration that addresses its needs fairly “is bound to have a resounding victory,” noting that “90 percent of 180,000 people come to Gros Islet at some point in the calendar year.”
Against that backdrop, the MP pointed to what he said is tangible progress on the ground, listing a series of completed and near-completed road projects. He cited works such as the Reduit-Mongeau Road, Ashcross Drive and Mikey Pilgrim Road as already complete, while indicating that the Vieux Sucrieux-Norbert Road is nearing completion.
He also highlighted improvements to critical transport infrastructure, including the long-discussed upgrade of the Old Military Road. Recalling the dangers motorists once faced, Casimir noted that “people avoided passing on Old Military Road… every other week, an accident,” adding that it was the current administration that “ensured that we expanded the road.”
Despite these developments, the MP’s tone shifted markedly when addressing disaster vulnerability, particularly in Corinth. Reflecting on the impact of severe flooding, he revealed the lingering concern it has left on him personally. “I go to sleep with Flamboyant Drive on my mind,” he said, recalling that “in a two-hour span, homes were underwater.”
He warned that without urgent intervention, the risk remains ever-present. “We have to do something about Flamboyant Drive,” he stressed, adding that “every time it rains… I remember Flamboyant Drive.” While welcoming the allocation of $13.46 million for disaster mitigation, Casimir maintained that critical drainage and retaining wall works must be accelerated.
On the social front, Casimir outlined a range of community support programmes funded through his constituency office. Among them is a growing food assistance initiative, which he said has expanded beyond Gros Islet. “The peanut butter pantry… now gets requests from as far as Vieux Fort and Laborie,” he noted, describing it as a lifeline for working families.
However, demand for housing assistance continues to outpace available resources. Casimir disclosed that 671 residents applied for support under a home repair programme, forcing its closure due to overwhelming demand. “We officially closed the programme… we had no choice,” he explained, adding that “so far, we have been able to assist 662 individuals.” Acknowledging delays, he appealed for patience, assuring constituents that efforts are ongoing to address outstanding cases.
The MP also raised concerns about ageing infrastructure, pointing to the Gros Islet cemetery, which he said is nearing capacity. “We are very close to 98 percent,” he warned, calling for urgent expansion to meet future needs.
Turning to economic and urban development, Casimir made a strong case for increased investment in Rodney Bay, arguing that its importance extends beyond constituency lines. “Rodney Bay is not just a Gros Islet area. Rodney Bay is a national area,” he said, urging authorities to treat its development as a national priority. He called for a comprehensive urban renewal programme, including improved signage, enhanced waste management and upgraded public spaces, insisting that “we must establish Rodney Bay where we all know it should be.”
In national security, Casimir pointed to the construction of a new police divisional headquarters in Gros Islet, which he described as a major upgrade for law enforcement capacity. “We are talking about the best police facility in the entire eastern Caribbean,” he said, citing modern infrastructure and expanded operational capabilities.
Healthcare services are also set for improvement, with the planned expansion of the Gros Islet Polyclinic. Casimir welcomed the move toward round-the-clock care, stating that “we will finally get to a point where we have 24-hour services for the people.”
He further assured residents that long-standing land tenure issues are being addressed, particularly for those occupying lands for decades without formal ownership. “People who have been living there for over 30 years… we are coming,” he said.
While underscoring progress, Casimir’s presentation ultimately framed Gros Islet as a constituency at a critical juncture—balancing visible development with pressing vulnerabilities that, if left unresolved, could undermine the gains achieved.
