‘Kiffo’ Charles making power plays in Choiseul/Saltibus

He’s never run for political office, but Keithson Kiffo Charles isn’t exactly easing into the race. 

The longtime Choiseul resident was officially launched as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate for Choiseul/Saltibus on November 2, unveiling a campaign focused on unity, cultural revival and community development — and delivering some pointed jabs at his opponent. 

The event, held at the La Fargue playing field, was described by the SLP as its largest turnout for a candidate launch of the election cycle. 

Charles made an immediate impact among the party faithful with his debut speech. “Let them hear the sound of people ready for action. Let them hear the sound of a community demanding a fresh beginning. Let them hear the sound of victory,” he told an enthusiastic crowd of supporters.

“I stand before you humbled on the shoulders of giants,” he said, paying tribute to the elders who shaped him, including his late uncles Dr Augustine Charles, also known as King Bolo, and Joseph Charles, a respected educator. “Their spirit is with us tonight.”

He added, “I am not a stranger asking for your vote. I am your neighbour, Kiffo, asking for your trust.”

Charles used the moment to lay out his vision for the constituency, which includes reviving local culture, investing in youth development and restoring a sense of shared community. 

But he also came with questions for incumbent MP Bradley Felix. “After nine years, what did you start and what did you finish?” he asked. “Did you build the mini stadium for our youth? Did you finish the warehouses you promised? They promised you the world and couldn’t even deliver an empty warehouse.”

Among his proposals were upgrades to the jetty and boardwalk along Choiseul Village Beach, road rehabilitation, and the return of signature cultural events like the Choiseul pageant. “If our young people can achieve that with no stage and no community support,” he said, “imagine what they can do when we give them the stage they deserve. We will bring back our Calypso competition, our district carnival, and empower our creative youth to build their own studios.”

Though the launch put him under the spotlight, Charles’ campaign had already begun gaining traction with a few strategic moves on the ground. In Delcer, he commissioned long-awaited lighting for the community playing field — a request residents had made for years.

On Sunday night, Charles announced that work would soon begin on the long-neglected Park Estate Road in Saltibus, following discussions with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Less than 24 hours later, construction crews were on site, marking a quick follow-through that didn’t go unnoticed by supporters. 

While Charles makes his plays, Incumbent Bradley Felix, the United Workers Party candidate, played down his opponent’s chances in a September 9 interview with St. Lucia Times, saying he remained “unshaken”.

“As anything, a new candidate will come there and raise some conversation… At the end of the day, the day of the election, we will have the final say,” he said.

Still, with Kiffo visibly active on the ground, the race is beginning to draw attention. As one commenter put it, “Choiseul/Saltibus will be one to watch.”