“Enough of the Theatrics!” UWP Stages Castries Protest

The Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) is protesting again; this time, they are calling for the reopening of the Castries Health Center.

The facility has been closed since December 19, 2023.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs had announced the temporary closure for mold remediation, citing the need to ensure a safe environment for staff and patients. Since then, residents seeking medical care have been redirected to the La Clery Health Center, and other facilities.

Newly introduced UWP Candidate for Castries East, Peter Chiquot, spoke to reporters outside the heath center on Tuesday morning, “All we want is the health center to be reopened. That’s all we’re asking. Where will the elderly and the sick people in Central Castries go?” Chiquot asked, expressing the growing frustration with the prolonged closure.

Adding to Chiquot’s concerns, Rosh Clarke, UWP’s candidate for Castries Central, voiced his concern over what he described as government negligence. “The people of Castries are frustrated with this government’s lack of concern towards healthcare. Enough of the theatrics !” he said.

Clarke criticised the administration’s focus on non-essential issues, “What we need is a proper medical facility,” he said.

In response, Lisa Jawahir, the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) spokesperson, defended the government’s commitment to healthcare.

She says the SLP supports citizens’ right to protest but pointed to the administration’s progress on healthcare projects.

Jawahir acknowledged the challenges with the Castries Health Center’s aging structure, which has been in need of repairs for years. “This structure has been in existence for a very long time. Even as a child, I used to go to the Castries health center, and significant work needs to be done to that building.” She added that the Ministry’s focus remains on public health and safety.

Jawahir also suggested that the UWP protest was contradictory, given the party’s own track record on healthcare facilities like St. Jude Hospital.

The SLP spokesperson said she was baffled that the ones who paused work at St. Jude Hospital were engaging in a protest.

The UWP has indicated that it will continue its advocacy until the community regains access to healthcare services in Castries.