“The people are ready for change.” That was the message from UWP Political Leader and Micoud South candidate Allen Chastanet after finalising his candidacy on Nomination Day. With the paperwork complete, he says he is fully geared up for the general election.
Chastanet, who was one of only two UWP candidates to win in 2021, says he feels the momentum is shifting. He believes his party is in a strong position to earn back the confidence of voters and chart a new course for the country.
After signing his documents, he told St. Lucia Times that the UWP is ready and suggested that the government moved early because they sensed the public mood changing.
“Look, we’ve been ready for a while, and I think the Labour Party understood that. That’s why they’ve called the election so early,” he said.
Based on his assessment, Chastanet says the current administration “haven’t been able to deliver” and is of the view that “things were only going to get worse”. He added that the energy on the ground in the final stretch to December 1 is encouraging.
“I feel very positive. I think the campaign is coming through. The silent persons we’ve been relying on have been coming out,” he said.
He also broadened his criticism to the administration’s style of governance, saying they have been deepening division. He accused them of “blurring the lines” between party and state.
“Where does the Labour Party begin and end versus government? We see opening ceremonies being politicised. They’ve been using state resources to weaponise against us,” he claimed.
Speaking directly to Micoud South, Chastanet leaned on his record as former Prime Minister and promised continued development across the south. He pointed to job creation, infrastructure upgrades, new tourism attractions, and the construction of a farmers’ market in Anse Ger as priorities.
The UWP is set to unveil its manifesto for the election at a rally in La Caye, Dennery, on November 23.
“I think the people of Saint Lucia have another thing coming for the Labour Party. Enough is enough. They are ready for some change,” Chastanet said.
