Saint Lucia marks 75 years of adult suffrage

Saint Lucia is marking 75 years of universal adult suffrage, which gave citizens the right to vote regardless of wealth, gender, social status, or ethnicity. 

The milestone is being commemorated with a week of activities, which began on Sunday with a church service at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries, which was attended by Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, Acting Governor General Felix Finisterre, members of Cabinet and other officials.

Saint Lucia attained adult suffrage on October 12, 1951, and held a general election that day under new constitutional arrangements.

In a statement, Pierre reflected on the struggles of those who secured the right to vote and the responsibility to protect the democratic freedoms that followed.

“We honour the legacy of the trade unionists and the many men and women whose courage and determination helped lay the foundation for our democratic development,” he said.

“As Prime Minister, I remain conscious that the rights we enjoy today were secured through the struggles of those who came before us. It is our responsibility to protect these freedoms, strengthen our democratic institutions and continue building a Saint Lucia where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our nation’s progress.”

He also invited the public to participate in the remaining commemorative activities.

A special sitting of Parliament is being held Monday, with Leader of the Opposition of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves as guest speaker.

On Tuesday, October 12, an exhibition marking the 75th anniversary of Adult Suffrage will open at the Castries Town Hall. It will chronicle the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s (SLP) first electoral victory.  In that first election, the SLP, led by George Frederick Lawrence Charles, won five of the eight seats in the Legislative Council, defeating the People’s Progressive Party. 

On Wednesday, October 13, university lecturer Dr Tennyson Joseph will present the Adult Suffrage Lecture at the Finance Administrative Building in Sans Souci.