With speculation mounting over an early general election, Saint Lucia’s two main political parties have intensified their campaigns with major events in the past week, trading barbs and laying out competing visions for the country’s future.
On Sunday, September 7th, the United Workers Party (UWP) unveiled its full slate of 17 candidates during a highly anticipated national rally in Micoud North. Party leader and Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet launched his “seven-to-save Saint Lucia” pledge, which he said would provide immediate relief for struggling citizens.
“The first thing that we’re going to do is remove the two-and-a-half percent levy that’s bleeding the pockets of the people of Saint Lucia,” Chastanet declared to roaring applause.
“That money belongs to you, not to fund people travelling around the world at the expense of Saint Lucia. The second thing we will do within the first 20 days is reduce gas prices so that the people of Saint Lucia can breathe once again.”
He also promised stronger border protection measures, including the reintroduction of canine units.
“We will immediately reintroduce border control and we will have canine dogs at the airport, at the ports, and working alongside the police to ensure that our borders are safe and that we stop guns and ammunition from coming into Saint Lucia.”
UWP candidate for Castries South, Tommy Descartes, hailed the party as not just the strongest in Saint Lucia but across the region.
“The greatest political party in Saint Lucia, the United Workers Party… I will go a step further to say it is the greatest political organisation in the entire Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.”
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, September 10th, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) hosted a town hall meeting in Babonneau to introduce its newly endorsed candidate John Paul Estephane, who will replace outgoing MP Dr Virginia Albert-Poyotte on the ticket.
Estephane pledged to create opportunities and break barriers for Babonneau residents.
“We want to create an equitable environment where everyone can thrive. Right now, the Saint Lucia Labour Party is doing so much—first-generation scholarships, free CXC payments. What we want to do is ensure our students, when they graduate, can go on to tertiary education.”
He emphasised his commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement: “In the coming weeks, I will be in your homes, on your television, on our playing fields. I will be listening to you, sharing with you, and building with you. The campaign is not about me, it is about us.
Together we will retain Babonneau for the Saint Lucia Labour Party.”
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre also addressed the gathering, ridiculing the UWP’s new pledge as recycled promises.
“They come with seven—for what? Seven for what? First it was five-to-stay-alive. Now the same old soup, they say seven-to-save-Saint Lucia. You know what will save Saint Lucia? When the Saint Lucia Labour Party returns to government in this country.”
He reminded supporters that it was the UWP who introduced the controversial gas tax: “They say they will reduce gas prices. But who put the $1.50 tax on gas? They want to tell you that you live in an alternative world.”
As both parties escalate their rhetoric, anticipation grows over whether Pierre will call an early election. For now, Saint Lucians are witnessing a sharpening contest, with both sides pitching starkly different pathways for the island’s future.
