As the nation looks ahead to its next election cycle, citizens from different walks of life are voicing their expectations for stronger leadership, greater accountability, and solutions to pressing issues such as the rising cost of living, crime, and healthcare. St. Lucia Times took to the streets to speak to locals about their priorities for a new government.
For many, the sharp increase in everyday expenses remains a top priority. A 26-year-old accounts officer at a credit union explained, “One of the biggest issues I would like the government to focus on is the rising cost of living. Everything from food to electricity and basic necessities keeps getting more expensive, and salaries are not increasing to match.”
For him, what matters most is honesty and responsibility in leadership. He added that he would vote for “a government who is open and honest, who actually listens to the people, and who are prepared to put the good of the nation ahead of their own interests.”
Infrastructure and delivery of promises also weigh heavily on the minds of other young professionals. A 28-year-old social media marketing manager said her biggest concern is infrastructure. When voting, she looks closely at what the Prime Minister and her constituency’s representative plan to do.
She said governments must “permanently solve issues instead of constantly delivering temporary solutions.” She also believes too many administrations recycle old strategies, rather than creating new systems tailored to today’s challenges.
Healthcare emerged as another recurring concern. A 43-year-old restaurant supervisor praised the current administration’s handling of the pandemic, noting, “The present government is doing a great job coming out of COVID and I do believe [with] another term in office they will deliver.” Still, he identified healthcare, education, and availability of medication as key areas needing urgent attention.
A mother of four shared a similar perspective, emphasising affordable healthcare and dental care above all else. “Without health nothing else matters,” she explained. She considers herself a non-affiliated voter and evaluates a government’s success by the projects they complete and how they manage taxpayer funds. For her, a priority is lowering the cost of living, better crime reduction strategies, road rehabilitation, and more job and educational opportunities. Reflecting on past failures, she noted that “the previous government attempted to complete the St. Jude Hospital before elections and that was not accomplished,” adding that crime remains a constant issue across administrations.
A high school principal placed crime as the number one issue. He argued, “There needs to be a collective, collaborative approach to addressing the issue of crime,” suggesting a task force similar to the COVID-19 response. He believes governments should be measured by their commitment to job creation, youth opportunities, easing the cost of living, and improving education and healthcare.
Meanwhile, a female business owner highlighted the weight of taxes and levies. She voiced frustration with government policies, saying, “The business community for me is getting plundered by the government. The corporate tax is too high. We were hit by the minimum wage plus the health and security levy… but we have gotten no breaks.” She stressed the need for a clear, articulated vision from any party seeking her support.
A 25-year-old front desk supervisor at a hotel stressed the need for greater employment opportunities. “The biggest issue I believe the government should be focusing on is lowering the unemployment rate,” he said.
He also pointed out that while cost of living inevitably rises, job creation helps people better manage those pressures. Ultimately, healthcare improvements would secure his vote in the future.
For others, law and order remain the foundation of progress. A 56-year-old chef explained his top priority is crime and restoring order. He added that what guides him in choosing a government is whether leaders stand by their word and policies align with his faith.
He believes performance should be measured by “infrastructure, healthcare, affordable housing, roads, caring for its people, and achieving their promises.”
For many Saint Lucians trust, accountability, and evidence of delivery will ultimately decide where their vote goes in the next general election. As the accounts officer summed it up, “Promises are one thing, but proving you can deliver and being honest when you fall short is what really builds trust.”
