The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has unveiled two new candidates for the next general elections, including the replacement of Castries South East incumbent Joachim Henry, whose deselection had been the subject of months of speculation.
Prime Minister and SLP Leader Philip J. Pierre confirmed the changes, including a newcomer in the seat held by the retiring Dr Kenny Anthony, during Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, underscoring the party’s commitment to its internal processes amid vocal dissent from some constituents.
Henry, the Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, had publicly expressed his desire to run again. However, the SLP has endorsed Senator Lisa Jawahir instead, prompting Henry to issue a conciliatory statement “of gratitude, reflection and encouragement”.
Henry thanked members of the Castries South East Constituency Group, who he said recommended that he continue to serve: “Your unwavering confidence and belief in me has been a source of strength…”
He said that he was aware of the expressions of disappointment from some supporters, including the use of the slogan “No Joachim, no vote”.
“I unreservedly discourage any form of demonstration opposing the party’s decision,” Henry said and called for full support for the SLP at the polls.
Henry also thanked Pierre for allowing him to serve.
On Monday, the prime minister reciprocated, praising Henry’s tenure. “I appointed him a minister after he had been in the Senate, and he served as a minister with conviction,” Pierre said.
“Our party has processes, and the process of the party is agreed to by everyone who joins our party.”
Jawahir, who has served in the Senate since 2020, holds a Master’s in strategic communication and is a business executive, as well as the SLP’s communications director.
In responding to the “no Joachim, no vote” protest, Pierre said that no one was stronger than the party.
“The Labour Party is older than all of us in this room, including me. The Labour Party has survived the greatest challenges. People have tried to destabilise our party, people have tried to malign our party. No one is going to hold our party to ransom. No one!” he thundered.
The SLP leader also announced the selection of Danny Butcher, a 39-year-old teacher with a Master’s degree in education, to contest the Vieux Fort South seat, currently held by former Prime Minister Anthony.
In declaring that he would not be seeking re-election at a meeting with constituents in May, Anthony went on to say: “While I respect my party’s approach, my party’s rules, I remain a great believer in runoffs to select candidates, provided that the process is well managed and rendered safe from corrupt practices.”
Pierre said four potential candidates had expressed an interest in contesting the seat.
The constitutional deadline for elections is November 2026.
The last national vote was held on July 21, 2021, and the first session of Parliament followed on August 17, 2021, leaving a maximum 90-day window after the five-year parliamentary term ends.
