United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for Soufrière/Fond St Jacques, Senator Herod Stanislas, announced plans to build “an information technology and artificial intelligence hub” amongst other major projects in the constituency.
Stanislas, who served as MP from 2016 to 2021, addressed supporters over the weekend during a rally, detailing his vision for the constituency and outlining key development plans he promises to implement if elected.
He revealed that this hub is “going to employ over 200 young people in Soufrière/Fond St Jacques”, adding that it will be extended to Canaries and Choiseul.
The project, he said, will offer wages up to “five times more” than what young workers currently earn in the tourism sector in Saint Lucia.
Stanislas highlighted past achievements of his previous term, including “the creation of the Hummingbird Beach Park”, a project that attracted visitors to the area, and the construction of the Old Trafford complex, which provided vendors and farmers with shelter from the elements and the “only and best bus terminal on the island”.
He claims, however, that many of these sites have fallen into disrepair under the current government. “Almost 5 years and Hummingbird Beach Park is in a terrible… state of disrepair. But rest assured, Soufrière, when I return as your parliamentary representative, I will fix it,” he said.
He promised to rebuild key infrastructure, including an administrative building, a building complex to replace the Old Trafford complex for small businesses and the Ruby Cricket Ground, which he described as “now a dumping ground”.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to completing the New Development Fitness Park and rehabilitating roads, saying, “When I return, the rest of the 40% of the roads will be completed.”
Stanislas further detailed initiatives for social and economic empowerment. He plans to establish cottage industries in crafts, textiles, and agro-processing, creating local employment opportunities.
Affordable housing will also be expanded, with at least 100 lots made available to low-income families during his five-year term.
Youth and sports development featured prominently in his platform. Stanislas announced plans to transform the old public library site into a youth and sports centre, housing the Soufrière Youth and Sports Council and various local sports associations.
