(MENAFN- Caribbean News Global) By Caribbean News Global

CASTRIES, St Lucia – The political environment in Saint Lucia turned to jubilation last Sunday, with the announcement of general elections December 1, by Prime Minister Philip J Pierre. The SLP was exuberant at a mass rally on the Castries market steps and the UWP on the waterfront in Ansle La Raye.

“Thank you to everyone for the incredible love and support. Together, we're building a movement for real change. December 1st is Liberation Day,” the UWP recited. UWP has the Right Team: Experienced, energetic and visionary leaders who are ready to deliver real results for the people of Saint Lucia. We will lower taxes, improve healthcare, make our communities safer and create more opportunities for Saint Lucians.”

Nous Parway! We are ready,” the UWP celebration revelled!“The bell has finally been rung. Freedom Day is December 1, 2025.”

In continuation, the UWP will return to the William Peter Boulevard (their political headquarters) in a display of optimism that“the United Workers Party has assembled the right team, leaders who care, who listen and who will deliver. On Monday, December 1, vote for progress. Vote for prosperity. Vote UWP, the right team for Saint Lucia,” the United Workers Party (Saint Lucia) said on social media.

Prime Minister Pierre, in his address to the nation November 9, reminded his audience that the last general election was held July 26, 2021. The first sitting of parliament was held August 12, 2021, and that“general elections are not constitutionally due until November 12, 2026.”

The general view of sections of the political establishment is that an early election has been forced on the public, with little political and economic manoeuvring, coined December 1 –“Freedom Day and Liberation Day.”

No political leader calls a general election without empirical evidence that he has the advantage with a political machinery that is well-oiled and ready to go!

'From promises to delivery ' – Prime Minister Pierre stated:

“Confident that we have delivered what we have promised, and the need to carry on the normal business of government,” asking the electorate to “judge us on our record:”

• The national debt is 73.5% a reduction of 8% from 2021;
• Outstanding payables due to local suppliers $79 million, a reduction of 39%.
• As of September 2025, outstanding payables is $38.9 million, a 700% reduction from 2021 under Saint Lucia Labour Party administration.

“These statistics,” the Prime Minister reiterated,“Clearly show the level of debt inherited by the Saint Lucia Labour Party government and the progress made thus far. The Saint Lucia Labour Party government rebuilt the economy. Together, we rebuilt an economy that was in decline. We have experienced economic growth and primary surpluses.”

Prime Minister Pierre continued:

“A record of delivery is our story. We do not promise, we do not wish, we do not imagine; we perform, and I thank you for your trust, patience, and partnership,” the prime minister established .

“ We remain steadfast and committed to making Saint Lucia a better place. A place we can all be proud of.

“We shall continue to work in partnership with the private sector, recognising its importance in creating jobs, generating wealth, and reducing poverty. We are asking you to judge us on our record. [... ] What is unmistakably clear is that as a government, we have delivered on our promises to put you, the people, first.

You trusted the Saint Lucia Labour Party to ' Put You First ' and renew hope in government. And I can say with pride: We did not just promise change, we delivered it together. That is delivery. That is progress with purpose. That is Putting People First.”

In building a fair and just society, true development is not measured only in dollars and concrete. It is measured in fairness, justice, and equality,” he said.

Responding to December 1 – “Freedom Day and Liberation Day,” Allen Chastanet, political leader of the UWP, has called on“ flambeau soldiers, to lace up your boots. We have an election to win.”

“The last four years have been difficult for the majority of Saint Lucians, but there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. The UWP has a comprehensive plan to lower the high cost of living, make our communities safer, improve healthcare and create new opportunities for Saint Lucians.”

“Time to celebrate our freedom – the UWP is willing and ready,” continues to echo in the chambers of UWP faithful in the belief and action that the “UWP has the Right Team.”

Monday evening, Chastanet, in response to Prime Minister Pierre, said:“ Whilst I am ready for the change, I want you to know that in these four years, I've listened more, learned more, and grown more than ever before. I'm not the same man I was in 2021. I am firm, fearless, and focused, asking the hard questions and finding real solutions to make your lives better.”

Life has not been better than before, Chastanet offered to his audience, citing Ronald Regan –“ Are you better off than you were before?” NO, he said,“So why continue down the same path?” he chided – that the UWP” cares with action, [...].

Chastanet, while listing the UWP record in government, and in alignment with – Caring in Action – explained that his government made life better for Saint Lucians on VAT, cost of living, education, support for farmers, building infrastructure, health care, job creation, and made public assistance more accessible for those who needed it most.

In contrast to the UWP record, Chastanet alleges that“ life has got harder for ordinary Saint Lucians under the SLP,” adding,“more people feel betrayed.”

Returning to Prime Minister Pierre's astuteness to call“early elections,” Chastanet queried the SLP on St Jude hospital, the national debt, CIP, youth programs, the vendors, taxes, crime, cost of living, and allegations of ministers' enrichment just four years in office.

Chastanet disclosed:“ The last UWP administration may not have been perfect,” and in his estimation said: “Life was better! Saint Lucia was actually moving forward.” He further reiterated the UWP talking points on National Health Insurance, the removal of the 2.5 percent tax and lower gas prices, free education at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and quality representation for you and your family.”

In addition, Chastanet pointed to the “UWP SOS -7” and“ Youth SOS Plan” in consideration as“ a decisive, solutions-driven agenda to empower Saint Lucia's young people with transformative opportunities, stronger representation and a genuine voice in shaping their country's future.”

The UWP political leader promised the electorate a digital academy, the first of its kind in Saint Lucia. A youth start-up grant, and a mortgage guarantee programme for first-time home buyers. Make public servants' positions permanent, and provision to provide a Christmas bonus, and explore ways for civil servants to receive an annual bonus.

In conclusion, Chastanet advised Saint Lucians to“ Choose truth, renewal, action and results” on election day.

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Prime Minister Pierre, during his national address last Sunday, said, in part:“ The Saint Lucia Labour Party government rebuilt the economy:

• Unemployment is at its lowest on record, and youth unemployment has created thousands of jobs through new investments, revived agriculture, tourism, and construction.

• Existing businesses are expanding and reporting record profits, while several new businesses have been established. Foreign investment has returned after five years of stagnation under the United Workers Party. New hotels are being built, and the construction boom is evident.

• We paid public officers the outstanding and current backpay due to them. Public Servants received a 13% pay increase and, for the first time, a bonus at Christmas.

“I invite you to refer to our achievements document, available in print and digital formats,” Prime Minister Pierre advised.

The general impression, all things considered, in a 21-day election, currently points to a pursuit that Prime Minister Pierre's strategic move to call general elections, December 1, contributes to the impression of capturing momentum and voter sentiments – aligned in perfect positioning.

@GlobalCaribbean

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