“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.
