“The St Jude Hospital, we will finish it once and for all.”
That was one of several commitments made by Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet during a national address on November 10. His remarks came in response to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s announcement the day before that general elections would be held on December 1.
Chastanet opened his speech with a sharp rebuke of the Pierre-led administration, accusing it of “betrayal,” “corruption,” and “neglect.”
One of his key points of criticism was the government’s assertion that St Jude Hospital had been “completed.” Chastanet questioned the legitimacy of the announcement, noting that the hospital is currently non-operational.
“Why, after four years, is St Jude’s still just a building and not a hospital? Why [does] our Prime Minister believe opening ceremonies will keep us satisfied? No amount of opening ceremonies will heal a single patient,” he said.
The opposition leader went on to highlight what he described as his administration’s accomplishments, including the reduction of VAT by 2.5 per cent, the commissioning of the OKEU Hospital, investments in road infrastructure and job creation.
“I ask you to look at our list of achievements. In contrast, over the last four years under the Labour administration, life has only gotten harder for ordinary Saint Lucians,” Chastanet said.
He also outlined several initiatives a future United Workers Party government would undertake if returned to office. These include national health insurance, free tertiary education at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, a Youth Start-Up Grant Programme, and a Mortgage Guarantee Programme.
On public sector policy, Chastanet committed to job security and added benefits for government employees.
“Importantly, a United Workers’ Party administration will honour and commit to making public servant positions permanent and commitments to provide Christmas bonuses. In fact, under a UWP government, we will explore ways through dialogue to ensure civil servants receive an annual bonus they can count on every single year,” he stated.
He closed his address with a direct appeal to voters.
“Choose renewal. Choose action. Choose results. Choose the United Workers Party. Because you deserve better,” he said.
chas please please please stay out of our politics
I believe YOU had the chance to finish it and you did Not.
The UWP was in power in 2009 when the fire took place. 15yrs later they talking about finishing it, though they have been in power from 2009 to 2021. Stop the cap chas!!
😂😂😂😂😂😂 What is wrong with mate? He will finish what is already finished? How does that even work?
I wish he get back power and try to stop it at this stage we need a uprising and they would get one. After the prime minister borrowed how much for the Ali Baba’s he would come and try to stop it.
Well for the record, neither of political parties can crow about St. Judes. It is a disgrace and both are guilty of squandering resorces to give the South the much needed medical facility it deserves. Burnt 2009 under Stephenson King Administration election 2011 Kenny Anthony SLP won with Phillip Pierre as deputy. Election 2016 Chasenet UWP won and 2021 Phillip Pierre SLP and to date it is still not fully complete and commissioned after costing the taxpayers you and me in excess of a billion dollars.
Therefore every single politician SLP and UWP needs to shut up and hang their heads in shame! Shame!
Chass i think its time u stop ur nonsense or we will have to stop u. As a matter of fact u shud stay away from our politics because up to now u have no idea about how we live. Your approach and ideas r totally opposite what we need / want. Go away for good sir