Weekend Edition

stluciatimes, caribbean, caribbeannews, stlucia, saintlucia, stlucianews, saintlucianews, stluciatimesnews, saintluciatimes, stlucianewsonline, saintlucianewsonline, st lucia news online, stlucia news online, loop news, loopnewsbarbados

A look at the UWP’s 2025 manifesto

Released on November 23 and now available for public viewing on their website, the United Workers Party’s 78-page manifesto titled ‘Reclaiming Our Future’, sets out the party’s argument for change and its plan for Saint Lucia’s next chapter should they be elected. The document features a message from the political leader, a comparison of the UWP’s record with that of the Pierre-led administration, the party’s candidates, and its “SOS Plan.”

In his opening message, UWP political leader Allen Chastanet delivered a strong critique of the current administration and called the moment “a crossroads in our nation’s history.” He accused the government of “deception, mismanagement, and unashamed acts of corruption” and urged Saint Lucians to reclaim the future they want. 

“We must end this betrayal, not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come,” he wrote. He called on supporters to choose “decency over deception, progress over stagnation, excellence over excuses,” declaring, “the time is now.”

The manifesto is built around a three-part framework of relief, recovery, and reform, which the party says is designed to ease immediate pressures while rebuilding the economy and modernising national systems.

Relief: SOS Plan
The UWP’s agenda begins with its previously shared seven-point Save Our Saint Lucia (SOS) Plan, which outlines immediate measures such as removing the 2.5 per cent Health and Security Levy, lowering fuel prices, eliminating the dam dredging fee for southern consumers, and offering free tertiary education at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. The plan also details stronger border control operations, an expanded K9 Unit, pensions for banana farmers, one-off payments to families of deceased farmers, and National Health Insurance coverage of up to $75 000 annually.

Recovery
The recovery component focuses on long-term investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and technology. The party highlights upgrades to roads and water systems, increased access to healthcare, support for traditional sectors like agriculture and tourism, and growth opportunities in the creative, digital, and care economies.

Reform
The reform section outlines plans to update legislation, improve public service delivery, strengthen democratic institutions, and expand citizen participation. The UWP says these reforms are aimed at restoring transparency, rebuilding trust, and making government systems more efficient and accountable.

With the framework outlined, the manifesto goes on to detail its plans across the country’s major economic and social sectors.

Leanna ‘Lady Lee’ Johannes-Paul’s suppporters walk to the Beanfield Secondary School on nomination day. (Photo Credit: Jevon Murray)


Healthcare
The manifesto outlines a major healthcare overhaul, calling the sector’s transformation “urgent and non-negotiable.” Plans include National Health Insurance with up to $75 000 in annual coverage, electronic health records, a modern Health Information Management System, and upgrades to facilities islandwide. The UWP also commits to completing a “state-of-the-art” St Jude Hospital, building district hospitals in Soufrière and Dennery, and modernising wellness centres.

UWP’s Castries South candidate Tommy Descartes is demanding full accountability for Saint Lucia’s CIP funds.
(Photo Credit: Quinn St. Juste)

Agriculture and fisheries
The UWP proposes a major push toward modernisation. Plans include a national land bank, improved irrigation, better access to credit, agro-processing hubs, upgraded farm roads, and support for crops like cocoa, honey, tropical fruits, and bananas.

Tourism
The party promises continued development of the village tourism model, more branded hotels, expanded wellness and sports tourism, and stronger marketing strategies. It also highlights the need for more local participation in the tourism value chain.

Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet at a United Workers Party rally

Digital economy
The UWP calls for bold investment in digital transformation. Its proposals include a Digital Academy, free or low-cost internet in public spaces, modern technology legislation, and a new government department dedicated to digital development.

“The road ahead for us is not easy, but if we are committed and with the right leadership, we can take you to the promised land,” said Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet as the UWP unveiled its 7-Point “Youth SOS” Plan to empower Saint Lucia’s young people to lead, innovate and thrive.
(Photo Credit: United Workers Party)

Citizen security
Security is a major focus. The manifesto plans a public health approach to crime, improved oversight bodies, expanded CCTV networks, additional training, legislative changes, a Border Control Authority, and a Crime Investigation and Forensic Unit.

(Photo Credit: UWP)

Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP)
The UWP promises a full review of the Citizenship by Investment Programme, citing reputational damage and weak oversight. The party plans stronger due diligence standards, an independent audit of the last five years, and a policy requiring CIP revenues to support infrastructure, debt reduction, and local business development.

UWP political leader and Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet. (Photo Credit: United Workers Party)

Creative industries and care economy
The party promises new creative hubs, updated intellectual property laws, and financial support for creatives. It also highlights the potential for growth in childcare, eldercare, and nursing services.

UWP youth rally. (Photo Credit: United Workers Party)

Throughout the document, the UWP argues that the country is facing rising economic pressure and growing uncertainty. The manifesto presents the party’s plan as a path toward stability, expanded opportunity, and stronger systems. Chastanet closed with a direct appeal, saying citizens deserve better leadership and a government focused on rebuilding rather than dividing.

The full 78-page document is available for anyone wanting to review the party’s proposals in detail:
https://uwpstlucia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/United-Workers-Party-2025-Manifesto-print-4.pdf

Any third-party or user posts, comments, replies, and third-party entries published on the St. Lucia Times website (https://stluciatimes.com) in no way convey the thoughts, sentiments or intents of St. Lucia Times, the author of any said article or post, the website, or the business. St. Lucia Times is not responsible or liable for, and does not endorse, any comments or replies posted by users and third parties, and especially the content therein and whether it is accurate. St. Lucia Times reserves the right to remove, screen, edit, or reinstate content posted by third parties on this website or any other online platform owned by St. Lucia Times (this includes the said user posts, comments, replies, and third-party entries) at our sole discretion for any reason or no reason, and without notice to you, or any user. For example, we may remove a comment or reply if we believe it violates any part of the St. Lucia Criminal Code, particularly section 313 which pertains to the offence of Libel. Except as required by law, we have no obligation to retain or provide you with copies of any content you as a user may post, or any other post or reply made by any third-party on this website or any other online platform owned by St. Lucia Times. All third-parties and users agree that this is a public forum, and we do not guarantee any confidentiality with respect to any content you as a user may post, or any other post or reply made by any third-party on this website. Any posts made and information disclosed by you is at your own risk.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

TRENDING

65
Customs & Excise Department

Will you be using the barrel concession this year?

Subscribe to our St. Lucia Times Newsletter

Get our headlines emailed to you every day.