(MENAFN- Caribbean News Global) “ For some, politics is about power. For me, it has always been about people, and this moment right here is because you, the people of Castries Central, have called me, have lifted me, have reminded me that when others betray us, when others fail us, our strength is not lost.” ~ Stanley Felix.

By Caribbean News Global

TORONTO, Canada – Attorney at law and disgraced former president of the Senate of Saint Lucia, Stanley Felix, announced his independent candidacy, Monday evening in a pre-recorded broadcast.

“Castries Central is worth fighting for,” said Felix, “I announce with a full heart that I will contest the seat of Castries Central as your independent candidate. Not because I seek power. You are the master. But because I seek to serve with humility and decorum, because I believe, as always, I always have, that Castries Central is worth fighting for.

“I may have been betrayed, but I am not broken. I may have been knocked down. But I rise again, and I rise with you. Together, together we can rebuild.” [...], said Felix.

Felix joins a growing list of so-called independent candidates to contest the next general election. Besides, he did not disclose whether he still holds membership with the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP).

As a member of the SLP, Felix contested unsuccessfully in 2011 and 2016, respectively, for Castries Central.

Announcing his candidacy, Felix said:

“Life and yes, even politics, has brought me betrayal. People I trusted hurt me. Doors that should have opened were slammed shut. But hear me well tonight. Betrayal does not break a man. It refines him. Broken crayons still color. And humiliation is a louder teacher than privilege. And so from every setback, I have risen stronger. I am standing here not because of what was taken from me, but because of what you have given me: your faith, your calls, your prayers, your belief that Stanley still has work to do for Castries Central.”

At the first session of the 12th Parliament of Saint Lucia, August 17, 2021 , Felix assumed the presidency of the Senate.

On Thursday, October 6, 2022, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security Philip J. Pierre learned that the president of the Senate, Stanley Felix, was taken into custody to assist with an ongoing police investigation.

On Friday, October 7, 2022, president of the Senate, Felix, was formally charged by police under Section 376 of the Criminal Code of Saint Lucia.

Alvina Reynolds was appointed as the new president of the Senate on November 24, 2022.

Related Links:

• St Lucian attorney and member of the senate arrested
• St Lucia's president of the senate released on bail, senatorial duties and appointment to be revoked

In March 2024, Felix was acquitted after a court dismissed the charge against him. Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the court's decision and reiterated his belief in the separation of powers.

Politics is the art of the possible, which requires pragmatism and compromise. With diverse political tendencies, there has been a call for consensus in Castries Central.

Prime Minister Pierre has announced that the SLP is not contesting the Castries Central seat, citing the same, as in the 2021 general election. The SLP previously announced that it is rallying support for Richard Frederick, the current member of parliament for Castries Central, vying for reelection, currently serving in the cabinet as the minister for housing.

The opposition UWP candidate for Castries Central is Rosh Clarke; however, political monitoring reveals interesting citings and meetings. Meanwhile, the SLP has not issued a formal statement on Felix's announcement.

“I have not aligned myself with any political party, nor have I entered into any discussions with Philip J, Pierre or Allen Chastanet,” said Felix.

Prior preparation and jockeying for prominence leading to the announcement of Felix, the political dynamic in Castries Central has changed. The outlook is a consequence that the contest is really between the two highly experienced lawyers and politicians, both familiar with each other's interlinkages.

To boost attractiveness in a narrow interchange and as an alternative, Felix, said:

“ I am a proud son of Lastic Hill, a man raised by the streets and the spirit of Castries Central. I'm a product of what you call the savanna.”

Further, with concerns over sudden shifts in political doctrine, Felix clarified:

“This is not just a political announcement. This is a homecoming . This is a man standing before his people. Not perfect. Not untouched by pain, but unbroken. This is a celebration of the spirit of Castries Central, resilient, hopeful and unbreakable.”

To improve urban life, economic and social development, Felix disclosed that:

“I did not enter this race for ambition. I entered because I cannot stay silent while families in central go hungry, while young people are denied chances, while vendors are displaced and disrespected, while elders feel forgotten. I enter because Castries Central deserves better. Not tomorrow, not someday, but now.”

Flashing the colour“Orange” and tagline“Viv Ansanm,” not to be confused with other personalities and institutions, Felix details his vision, recognising the essentials to continue on the path of improvement and the future with hope.

“My vision is simple . Let us live together in dignity and hope. We will strengthen community safety so that mothers and fathers sleep without fear. We will create opportunities for our youth, not just jobs, but skills, mentorship and a future they can believe in. We will restore honesty and accountability, ensuring decisions are made with you and not against you.”

Understanding the meaning of“ homecoming ” and“ Let Castries Central breathe again ,” coupled with stories to date of changes in political allegiance, will perhaps reveal the interconnectedness of Saint Lucia's political framework and future governance.

Conceivably, the collective of the expected political shift provides closure that desperation and humiliation are over, and that the fulfilment of political grace signals numerous ways to skin a cat.

“F or years, we have shared the same dreams and the same disappointments.” –“My story is your story. I am with you and I am for you.” –“I played marbles in the CDC.” – “I flew my kite there in the high sky,” Felix continued. “ I stood in the line at Armour for my $0.60 loaf and my ounce of luncheon meat, then sat in pit at Gaiety or Clarks to lose myself in a Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee movie,” said Felix, narrating his Viv Ansanm building block .“ These were not just games or pastimes.” – [...] –“I am Castries Central.”

Extolling these virtues, among others, Felix persisted:

“This is not the vision of one man. This is the vision of a people who are tired of being ignored, who are tired of being reproached, tired of being humiliated, tired of being disrespected, who are ready to rise. We are a proud people. Let Castries Central breathe again.”

@GlobalCaribbean

The post Disgraced former president of the Senate of St Lucia announces independent candidacy appeared first on Caribbean News Global .

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