Two fresh voices joined some seasoned stalwarts as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) celebrated a dominant victory in the December 1 election.
From Danny Butcher in Vieux Fort South and Lisa Jawahir in Castries South East, the newcomers joined long-serving MPs like Alva Baptiste and Moses Jn Baptiste in offering thanks to supporters, pledging renewal under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s “Moving Forward Together” mandate.
Labour captured 14 seats, increasing its majority by one. The two independent candidates associated with the SLP also secured victory, with Allen Chastanet, Leader of the United Workers Party, the only Flambeau candidate to win a seat.
A jubilant Shawn Edward retained his Dennery North seat by a margin of 766 votes, the largest of his four wins.
“For the fourth time, you have elected me to be your voice in the parliament of our country,” Edward said in remarks posted to his social media pages.
“This is a responsibility that I take very, very seriously. But today, I just want to say thank you so very much for reposing your confidence in me once again, despite all the odds. We registered a very impressive victory, and I’m hoping this can signal the beginning of even greater things to come in Dennery North.”
Alva Baptiste gained a thumping victory in Laborie/Auguier over contender Laura Jn Pierre-Noel to extend his tenure to five terms. In his address to supporters, Baptiste, who served as External Affairs Minister in Pierre’s outgoing cabinet, had this to say: “This victory did not descend like manna from heaven. It was as a result of your support, your discipline, your prayers, your love that we were able to have such a sweet victory in the People’s Republic of Laborie. And as a result, tonight, I want to thank you, the Red Army, for your support and for your love.”
Fellow five-term MP and Minister of Health Moses “Musa” Jn Baptiste waltzed to victory against Callix “Kakal” Xavier in Vieux Fort North. “Thank you to everyone who came out, stood up, and made their voices count,” he said in an online post. “Today’s outcome reflects the strength, unity, and determination of the people. Your support, your belief, and your commitment made this moment possible.”
Wayne Girard retained his Anse La Raye/Canaries seat, becoming the first candidate since Cyprian Lansiquot to do so. Girard’s victory came in a rematch with former tourism minister Dominic Fedee that was deemed a contest to watch.
“Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to ensure our decisive victory,” he said via social media. “Our win would not have been possible without the unwavering support of you, the army of volunteers who worked tirelessly yesterday: the election agents, party officials, canvassers, HQ staff, and everybody who helped spread support for Labour in our community.”
Danny Butcher became Vieux Fort South’s first parliamentary representative in almost three decades not named Dr. Kenny Anthony. Butcher, who is seen by the Labour faithful as one of the faces of the future, said this following the victory:
“Vieux-Fort South, I am truly humbled by your decision today. I heard you, I listened to you, and I stand more than ready to serve you. Thank you for showing up in your numbers and placing your confidence in me. Together, we will work hand in hand to build a stronger, united and thriving Vieux Fort South.”
Following a historic victory in Micoud North in 2021, Jeremiah Norbert retained the former seat of Sir John Compton by defeating his relative, Elisha Norbert. “The only Norbert Left in Micoud North is Jeremiah! Sel N! Thank you Micoud North, Thank You,” Jeremiah said on social media.
Political observers saw Micoud North as a potential swing community.
John Paul Estephane retained Babonneau for the SLP. The brother of former UWP stalwart turned Labour supporter Edmund Estaphane defeated Leo Titus Preville. “Thank You, Babonneau. We did this together,” the former educator said.
Alfred Prospere survived a close battle with Benson Emille, a former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Sports, to once again be the MP for the southern half of Dennery. Prospere, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, expressed gratitude to the constituency electorate.
“Dennery South, Thank you for the trust you placed in me yesterday. Your voice, your presence, and your commitment made this victory possible,” he said. “This was not just a win at the polls; it was a statement about the direction you want for our community and your country. Today we get back to work with renewed focus. Together, we will continue building a Dennery South that reflects your hopes and supports every household.”
Lisa Jawahir is now the Parliamentary Representative for Castries South East. Jawahir, who served as a government senator in the last term, defeated veteran politician Guy Joseph at the polls. Jawahir expressed her gratitude to the electorate in this way:
“Tonight, a new chapter begins. A chapter written by you, the people of Castries South East, every mother, every father, every young person, every worker, every dreamer who believed that our time had finally come.
You placed your confidence in me. You raised your voices. You showed up with love, courage, and determination. And together, we made history. I am humbled. I am grateful.”
The only Labour Party candidate to fall to defeat in this election was Dr. Shanda Harracksingh, who lost to Allen Chastanet in the UWP stronghold of Micoud South. Harracksingh encouraged supporters, who were in a jubilant mood despite her failure to capture the seat, to stay the course and not lose hope.
“We did not lose. We won, and this is the first time I have gone up, but I will not stop, I am going again,” she said. “Thank you for your support…Don’t feel despondent. Don’t feel upset. We’re going again!”
