The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) officially launched its 2025 manifesto last night, outlining a bold vision for national development, youth empowerment, community upliftment, and economic transformation. Speaking at the launch, Parliamentary Representative Danny Butcher, Castries South East candidate Lisa Jawahir, and Minister of Economic Development Wayne Girard highlighted the party’s people-centered approach and concrete plans for progress.
Danny Butcher opened the evening by emphasizing the purpose behind the document. “Tonight, we gather for more than the unveiling of a document. We gather to speak our future into being,” he said. Butcher explained that the manifesto was built from listening to citizens across Saint Lucia, from farmers in Dennery to teachers in Castries, from the youth seeking opportunity to seniors seeking security.
“This manifesto is our compass. It points toward a stronger education system, a healthier nation, safer communities, greater job creation, better infrastructure, and expanding opportunities for youth. It is not a wishlist; it is a continuation of what we have already done and what we are ready to do next,” Butcher said. He stressed that the manifesto reflects the SLP’s core values of fairness, inclusiveness, trust, and equity.
Lisa Jawahir framed the manifesto in terms of dignity, family, and opportunity. “This manifesto is about family. It is about dignity. It is about opportunity. It is about fairness. It is about the future of every child in this country,” she said. Jawahir detailed programs to support vulnerable communities, including expanding affordable housing, upgrading community infrastructure, and strengthening social protection services.
Her address emphasized youth empowerment, with initiatives in the Youth Economy providing grants, skills training, entrepreneurship support, creative industry programs, agricultural incentives, and pathways into technology and digital innovation. Apprenticeships, mentorships, and emerging-sector career opportunities aim to equip young Saint Lucians for the jobs of tomorrow.
Jawahir also highlighted education, health, and women’s empowerment programs, pledging enhanced support for children with special needs, modernized classrooms, teacher training, school nutrition, expanded primary care, chronic illness and mental health programs, maternal and child health services, and women’s entrepreneurship and gender-responsive services.
“Progress is built from the community up. Every village, every housing scheme, every rural and urban district matters. This manifesto is your manifesto. This future is your future,” Jawahir said.
Minister Wayne Girard presented the manifesto’s economic vision under the theme: “A Strong Economy, A Smarter Future – Building on a Legacy of Stability and Innovation.”
He highlighted the government’s record of stability, fiscal discipline, and growth despite global shocks, and outlined plans to create thousands of new jobs through infrastructure projects, tourism expansion, modern manufacturing, youth-centered innovation, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) development.
Girard emphasized digital transformation, including the establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence Centre, AI-powered civil service tools, expanded internet access, digital IDs, cybersecurity centers, blockchain integration for land registries, and broadband subsidies for low-income families.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to small business empowerment through grants, low-interest loans, technical support, and entrepreneurship programs.
“Economic growth must be shared. Opportunity must be inclusive. Technology must be accessible. And progress must reach every community. No Saint Lucian should be left behind,” Girard said.
Collectively, the addresses highlighted the SLP’s people-first approach, emphasizing fairness, opportunity, and dignity for all citizens. The 2025 manifesto integrates community development, youth empowerment, education, health, women’s initiatives, and economic growth into a coherent national plan.
Butcher, Jawahir, and Girard concluded with a call to action: Saint Lucia’s progress requires purpose, unity, and citizen engagement. “This manifesto is your manifesto. Your future is ready. Your opportunities are ready. And together, we are ready to rise,” Girard affirmed.
The SLP’s 2025 manifesto positions the party as a government that prioritizes fairness, innovation, and sustainable development, offering Saint Lucians a roadmap to a prosperous and inclusive future.
