Saint Lucians will go to the polls on July 26, 2021. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet made the announcement moments ago in an address to the nation dubbed “Looking ahead to a new Saint Lucia.”
Chastanet spent most of the address touting his administration’s achievements, noting that an incredible opportunity exists to build a “brand new, progressive Saint Lucia.” He said: “I am proud that the work of my government had resulted in a stable foundation for this country on which to build, and was trending in the right direction when the pandemic arrived like an unwelcomed dinner guest in March of last year. Where we go from here is what we need to discuss as a country and how we look at what has happened, is critical. We know that the past 18 months have been an enormous challenge but we could also see the direction this government has been going, has been the right one; that we have an incredible opportunity to continue to build a brand new, progressive Saint Lucia.”
The prime minister went on: “We’re getting back on track! We cannot make the mistake of turning back now and trusting our future to the same old Labour; the same tired ideas and failed ideologies, and an inability to implement— which got our country into economic and social mess, that we spent the last 5 years fixing! Let’s face it: Labour is a spent force! We all know it! A directionless party devoid of leadership will be a directionless government devoid of leadership.”
He announced: “In keeping with the requirements of the Constitution, I have today advised his Excellency the Governor General to dissolve the Parliament of Saint Lucia and issue the writs of election…I close tonight by announcing that the general elections will be held on July 26, 2021 and that the nomination day will be July 16, 2021. During the campaign, let us treat each other with respect and kindness. I urge all of you to stay safe, to stay strong and to stay united. May God bless and keep you all, and may he preserve our beloved Saint Lucia.”
The Allen Chastanet-led UWP— which won 11 of the 17 seats in the 2016 general election—is looking to secure a second term in office. Meanwhile, political leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), Philip J. Pierre, hopes to lead his party to its first election victory in the post-Anthony era. Also joining the fray is the National Green Party (NGP) led by activist Andre de Caires.
Below are the candidates for Saint Lucia’s main political parties as at July 5, 2021:
Gros Islet:
Lenard ‘Spider’ Montoute -UWP (incumbent)
Kenson Casimir -SLP
Andre de Caires -NGP
Castries North:
Stephenson King -UWP (incumbent)
SLP- pending
Daisy Anna St. Rose -NGP
Castries Central:
Sarah Flood Beaubrun -UWP (incumbent)
SLP- pending
Aaron Alexander -NGP
Castries East:
Fortuna Belrose – UWP
Philip J. Pierre -SLP (incumbent)
Ubaidullah Muhammad -NGP
Castries South:
Betrand Johannes – UWP
Ernest Hilaire -SLP (incumbent)
Raffaele Cantoni- NGP
Castries Southeast:
Guy Jospeh -UWP (incumbent)
Joachim Henry- SLP
Babonneau:
Ezechiel Joseph- UWP (incumbent)
Virginia Albert-Poyotte- SLP
Dennery North:
Angelina Polius -UWP
Shawn Edward- SLP (incumbent)
Wendell George- NGP
Dennery South:
Edmund Estephane- UWP (incumbent)
Alfred Prospere- SLP
Choiseul:
Bradley Felix – UWP (incumbent)
Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere – SLP
Dr. Alphonsus St. Rose – Independent
Anse La Raye/Canaries:
Dominic Fedee – UWP (incumbent)
Wayne Girad- SLP
Avalan Joseph- NGP
Micoud South:
Allen Chastanet- UWP (incumbent)
Guibion Ferdinand-SLP
Micoud North:
Gale Rigobert -UWP (incumbent)
Jeremiah Norbert -SLP
Michael St. Catherine – Independent
Laborie:
Francissco Jn. Pierre -UWP
Alva Baptiste-SLP (incumbent)
Soufriere:
Herold Stanislas -UWP (incumbent)
Emma Hippolyte- SLP
Vieux Forth North:
Vincent London -UWP
Moses Jn. Baptiste- SLP (incumbent)
Vieux Fort South:
Hermangild Francis- UWP
Dr. Kenny Anthony- SLP (incumbent)
