The United Workers Party (UWP) has unveiled its 2025 election manifesto, a 78-page policy blueprint titled “Reclaiming Our Future” which pitches the party as the vehicle to rescue Saint Lucia from what it describes as profound betrayal and national decline under the Saint Lucia Labour Party administration.
In a strongly worded message at the front of the document, UWP Political Leader Allen Chastanet accuses the SLP Government of breaking its promise to “put you first”, alleging deception, mismanagement, and unashamed acts of corruption that have dragged the country not toward development, but toward destruction of sectors, communities, and the nation’s sense of security. He says citizens are now forced to choose between food and healthcare, between education and survival, and urges voters to “end this betrayal” and choose decency over deception, progress over stagnation, and excellence over excuses.
The manifesto sets out an overarching vision to propel the nation into a new era as a globally competitive country, where excellence is not just an aspiration but the standard in every sector and facet of national life. It pledges a more inclusive society with equal access to opportunities in education, employment and entrepreneurship, and reaffirms commitments to freedom of expression, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights as the pillars of progress.
To turn that vision into action, the UWP proposes a three-part strategic framework built on Relief, Recovery and Reform, described as mutually reinforcing pillars rather than a step-by-step sequence.
Under its Relief Programme, the party promises targeted interventions to tackle the high cost of living, limited access to health care and what it calls an unsafe and insecure environment in many communities. These are grouped into seven “Save Our Saint Lucia (SOS)” initiatives, including removal of the 2.5% Health and Security Levy, a reduction in fuel prices, abolition of the dam dredging fee for customers in the south not serviced by the John Compton Dam, free tertiary education at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, reintroduction of border control and expansion of the K-9 unit, pensions for banana farmers, one-off payments to families of deceased farmers who did not contribute to NIC, and a National Health Insurance scheme providing every citizen with access to $75,000 in annual health coverage.
As part of the Recovery Programme, which centers on investment-led development to expand jobs, productivity and competitiveness, the manifesto outlines plans to upgrade infrastructure, improve connectivity, strengthen traditional sectors like agriculture and tourism, and accelerate emerging industries such as the creative industries, the digital economy and the caring economy. Within this broader agenda, the party also notes the role of sports in national development, committing to improvements in sporting facilities, increased support for youth and athlete development, and targeted investment in sports programs and sports tourism as part of efforts to expand opportunities for young people and strengthen community life.
The Reform pillar addresses governance and institutional modernization, calling for stronger independent institutions, modernized public service delivery, updated legislation, deeper citizen engagement, and enhanced anti-corruption enforcement to restore trust in leadership and the state.
A significant portion of the opening chapters is dedicated to contrasting the UWP’s 2016–2021 record in office with the SLP’s performance since 2021, across areas such as COVID-19 management, cost of living, jobs, roads, water, education, health and tourism. The document highlights UWP-era investments in school repairs, wellness centres, water projects, bridges, agricultural programmes, sports facilities, social protection and national security measures, including over 1,200 CCTV cameras and reopening the forensic lab. At the same time, it accuses the current administration of relying on short-term and one-off handouts while taking back with higher taxes and a rising cost of living.
“We don’t speak in slogans. We speak in results,” the UWP declares, insisting that its previous record shows it can deliver on its new promises.
Framing the upcoming general election as a defining moment and warning that the country is on the brink of an existential crisis, the manifesto says a future UWP administration would rebuild trust and hope and give citizens the opportunity to dream again.
“This is our moment to reclaim the true promise of our nation,” Chastanet writes, calling on Saint Lucians to commit to change, commit to hope, and commit to a future worthy of the nation’s greatness.
As the campaign intensifies ahead of the December 1 poll, the UWP’s “Reclaiming Our Future” manifesto sets out the party’s case that Saint Lucia can stand tall on the world stage if voters entrust it once more with the reins of government.
