As the red wave swept across Saint Lucia for a second consecutive term, making history and delivering the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) a commanding victory in the 2025 general election, the island’s young people have wasted no time voicing what they hope the new government will continue to deliver.
Across Castries, Vieux Fort, Dennery and Gros Islet, youth spoke openly to St. Lucia Times and to social media, about where they believe the government has delivered, where they’ve fallen short, and what must change for their generation to finally feel anchored in opportunity.
For many young voters, the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) remains one of the most impactful government initiatives of the last term. To use figures highlighted in the SLP manifesto for reference, thousands of young people have already benefited from grants, training and business development support.
Novice photographer Kadeem Charles, 23, describes the programme as his turning point.
“I won’t lie… the Youth Economy is the reason I’m working for myself today. The grant and training changed my whole mindset for the better. But I hope the government expands it. I’m hearing that too many people applied and never heard back. I want them to feel the same chance I got. I can never be selfish.”
His sentiment reflects a broader call for the YEA to deepen its reach, particularly into rural communities where aspiring entrepreneurs often struggle to access resources.
The government’s Semi-Professional Sports Programme has also earned high praise from young athletes, many of whom say the initiative gave legitimacy and income to a sector often overlooked.
Nineteen-year-old footballer Renee John says the programme offered something far greater than a stipend.
“Before this, playing sports professionally was something you saw online, not here. People were not even taking football serious; only a few get to make it out. It’s almost like football was a ‘hobby’. Now we’re getting paid, getting training, getting seen on a more serious level…. For now, I just want the government to grow it — more facilities, more coaches, more sports.”
The SLP manifesto outlines plans to expand youth involvement in sports, with upgrades to community fields and increased access to development pathways.
Even amid positive economic indicators, including what the SLP calls the lowest unemployment rate in Saint Lucia’s recorded history, crime remains one of the most urgent concerns for young people.
One college student expressed what many others echoed: “It’s good that more people are working. But some communities still don’t feel safe. We need more prevention programmes, more youth centres, more support in the neighbourhoods where crime happens the most.”
Several youth suggested pairing job programmes with community-based violence reduction initiatives.
Despite record-low unemployment, many young professionals want jobs that offer stability, fair pay and career growth, not short-term placements.
IT graduate Jonathan Auguste, who recently transitioned from a Youth Economy internship, explained: “I’m grateful to be working. But we want real careers, good salaries, long-term contracts. The government needs to strengthen sectors where young people can build a future, not just get a temporary job.”
The SLP has committed to expanding the digital economy, the creative industries and youth involvement in tourism niches such as heritage experiences and tech-based services.
The desire for inclusion echoed across interviews and social media posts. Beyond programmes and policies, young Saint Lucians want their perspectives integrated into national decision-making.
Liyanna Paul, a 21-year-old youth advocate, said: “Talk to us. Let us sit at the table. They say we’re at the table but they don’t hear us enough. We’re the ones living the challenges, crime, rent, cost of living.”
The SLP’s overwhelming mandate sets the stage for significant policy continuation and expansion. But expectations among young people are high, and the SLP has a bar to meet. The youth want the next five years to bring safer communities, deeper economic inclusion, better opportunities and real partnership.
As Kadeem summed it up: “We voted again because we saw progress. Now we want to feel even more of it.”
