When Power Crosses the Line: Why Saint Lucia Must Stand With Eldrise Charles

It happened in broad daylight — not in a dark alley, not in a hidden corridor, but in full view of the Parliament of Saint Lucia.

A woman — a journalist — stood firm, doing her job, reporting from the grounds of the people’s house. And in a moment that has since been captured in a now-viral security video, she was allegedly assaulted by none other than Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Ernest Hilaire.

Yes. You read that correctly.
A female journalist.
An elected minister.
A country watching in silence.

But silence is no longer an option.

Abuse of Power is Still Abuse

Journalism is not a crime.
Protesting is not a threat.
But when a man in power lays hands on a woman — physically, verbally, or otherwise — it’s not “passion,” it’s not “politics,” and it’s not “misunderstanding.”
It is assault. It is abuse of power. And it must be condemned.

Reports from The Voice, UnitedPac St. Lucia, and a string of online sources have confirmed the seriousness of this allegation. The journalist, Eldrise Charles, courageously filed a report with the police. Evidence has emerged. Public support is mounting.

Yet the halls of Parliament remain eerily quiet.

Instead of leading with dignity and ensuring justice, the Speaker of the House has chosen to peddle doubt and false framing, failing in his most basic duty — to protect the sanctity of Parliament and the safety of all who enter its gates.

Where Is the Outrage?

Where are the statements from Cabinet?
Where are the apologies, the suspensions, the investigations that should have started the very next day?

This isn't about party lines — it’s about moral lines, and one has been crossed.

Women across this nation are watching.
Journalists across the region are taking note.
And Saint Lucians, whether red or yellow, should be ashamed that our democracy is being so blatantly disrespected.

We Must Take a Stand

We stand with Eldrise Charles, not just because she is a woman, or a journalist, but because what happened to her could happen to any one of us — if we let this slide.

We demand:

• ✅ An independent investigation
• ✅ A public apology
• ✅ A retraction from the Speaker of the House
• ✅ A clear message from Parliament that abuse — in any form — is unacceptable

🇱🇨 Saint Lucia, This Is a Test of Our Integrity

Every time we stay silent in the face of injustice, we chip away at the kind of country we claim to be.
Do we believe in truth?
Do we believe in freedom of the press?
Do we protect women?
Or do we only care when it’s politically convenient?

Let this moment be a turning point.
Let this moment show the world that Saint Lucia still has a backbone.
Because if we can’t defend one woman with a microphone, what hope do we have of defending democracy itself?

#StandWithEldrise
#ProtectThePress
#NoToAbuseOfPower
#SpeakerMustRetract
#SaintLuciaIsWatching

Back 2 School Family Fun Day with Hon. Bradly Felix – Let’s Go Choiseul!

It’s that time of year again—backpacks are being dusted off, notebooks are stacking up, and school bells are getting ready to ring! But before we hit the books, Hon. Bradly Felix is inviting every family in Choiseul and beyond to come out and celebrate the joy of education, community, and pure fun at this year’s Back 2 School Family Fun Day!

📅 Sunday, August 31st, 2025

🕐 From 1:00 PM onwards

📍 Choiseul Plaza Parking Lot

🚐 Transportation Available

This isn’t just any ordinary fun day. This is a high-energy, child-friendly, community-building bash that’s all about giving our young ones a joyful send-off before the school year kicks off. And trust us—you won’t want to miss what’s in store!

🎈 What’s On the Fun Menu?

Bouncing Castle – Let the kids jump out that back-to-school anxiety!

Cotton Candy & Snow Cones – Sweet treats to cool the summer heat.

Trampoline Action – Bounce to the beat and defy gravity!

Live Music – Feel the vibe and dance with your tribe.

Haircuts & Hairstyles – Get your fresh, first-day-of-school look on point!

From giggles in the bouncing castle to brand new trims for a confident school start, this event is all about the kids—and the community that uplifts them. It’s also a reminder that Choiseul is a place where families matter, where leadership listens, and where back-to-school means back to unity.

So bring your children, your neighbors, and your positive energy—because we FLEX as one!See you there, Choiseul! 💛

Kiffo for Choiseul/Saltibus: The People’s Choice, Now Official

At long last, the waiting is over. The Saint Lucia Labour Party has officially selected Keithson “Kiffo” Charles as its candidate for Choiseul/Saltibus in the upcoming general elections—constitutionally due in July 2026, but with whispers of an early call this year.

This announcement doesn’t just confirm what the grassroots already knew; it affirms that the SLP has finally aligned with the will of the people. And for that, the administration deserves thanks.

A Wise Choice Rooted in Reality

For months, there has been chatter, anxiety, and speculation. But while the pundits argued, Kiffo was walking the communities, shaking hands, listening to concerns, and quietly building a groundswell of support. His selection is not the product of backroom deals—it’s a reflection of what is happening on the ground.

The SLP leadership showed courage and wisdom in recognizing that authentic connection beats empty rhetoric. They listened to Choiseul/Saltibus, and they chose the candidate whose momentum was impossible to ignore.

Why Kiffo Stands Out

Kiffo is more than just a name on a ballot. He’s a son of the soil who understands the struggles of everyday Choiseulians. He has been present in times of joy and in times of hardship.

From championing youth engagement to advocating for consistent water supply and better infrastructure, Kiffo embodies the kind of leadership that unites rather than divides. His grassroots energy has already inspired renewed hope that Choiseul/Saltibus can take its rightful place as a thriving, developed constituency.

The Road Ahead

The battle won’t be easy. Bradley Felix is a seasoned politician. But Kiffo has what it takes to meet this moment—authenticity, humility, and a genuine passion for his people.

And whether the elections are called this year or in 2026, one thing is certain: Kiffo’s time has come. The people are ready, and now the party is, too.

Thank You to the SLP Administration

We applaud the SLP administration for making this bold and wise decision. By selecting Kiffo, they have not only chosen a candidate but also signaled their commitment to empowering authentic leaders who reflect the heartbeat of their communities.

Kiffo for Choiseul/Saltibus isn’t just a slogan; it’s a movement. It’s about a community ready to rise, a constituency ready to shine, and a candidate ready to deliver.

Did Saint Lucia Get a Good Deal, or Are We Paying Too High a Price for Modernization?

Saint Lucia’s agreement with Global Ports Holding (GPH) is being sold as a landmark for our tourism sector. But beneath the glossy headlines and ribbon-cutting ceremonies lies a hard question: Did we trade too much for too little?

What the Deal Really Is

In 2022, the government signed a 30-year concession with GPH, with the option to extend for another 10 years. Under this agreement, GPH will manage cruise operations at Port Castries, Bananes Bay, and Soufrière.

The terms:

US$135 million investment in port upgrades.

US$17 million debt settlement on behalf of SLASPA.

The ability to host mega cruise ships, which could bring more visitors.

Sounds promising—on paper.

The Price Tag Nobody Talks About

Here’s where things get controversial. Under the concession, SLASPA will receive US$1 per cruise passenger for the first seven years, increasing to US$1.50 per passenger afterward. Compare that to the US$6.50 per passenger the island used to collect.

That’s a massive drop. And when you multiply this difference across millions of cruise passengers over decades, it means Saint Lucia is giving up tens of millions of dollars in revenue. Money that could have been reinvested directly into healthcare, education, infrastructure, and jobs for locals.

Who Wins, Who Loses?

GPH Wins Big: They gain control of our most valuable cruise assets for 30–40 years, pocket the lion’s share of revenues, and expand their global footprint.

Government Wins Short Term: They clear debt, cut a ribbon on a $135 million project, and point to “progress.”

Saint Lucians May Lose Long Term: We risk becoming spectators while foreign investors control the cash flow from one of our island’s most important tourism gateways.

The Community Factor

At Bananes Bay, families are being displaced to make way for redevelopment. Promises of “fair compensation” are on the table, but history tells us locals often get the short end of the stick in such projects.

So modernization comes, yes—but it’s ordinary Saint Lucians who bear the hidden costs.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t about whether the ports should be modernized—they should. It’s about the terms of the deal. Was a US$1 per passenger rate really the best we could negotiate? Why was transparency so lacking? And how do we justify a foreign company reaping profits for four decades while our people settle for crumbs?

Modernization is not free. But the burning question is: Did Saint Lucia strike a deal for the future, or did we just sell it off too cheaply?

👉 Over to you, readers: Do you see this as a smart long-term investment, or are we setting ourselves up to pay too high a price for progress?

🔥 Saint Lucia Votes: Crime, Candidates & Why SLP Still Holds the Edge

The political temperature has surged. With caseloads of violence rising and campaign milestones unfolding, the 2026 general elections are no longer theoretical—they’re high-stakes reality.

6

Crime Surge: Yesterday’s Tragedies Shake Castries

In the busiest part of the city, two massacres rocked Castries yesterday:

Around 10 a.m., Jamie Williams (25) of Morne Du Don was gunned down at the Jeremie Street taxi stand, leaving two others wounded as panic exploded through the crowd  .

Hours later, on Micoud Street, Takim “Tako” James fell victim to another senseless daytime shooting—again sending residents and bystanders into fear  .

These daylight assassinations have dragged 2025’s homicide tally even higher—underscoring the ease with which violence is spreading, and elevating crime as the defining political issue of this election.

UWP Reveals Its Full Cast—At Last

Today, amid heightened tension, the United Workers Party officially unveiled its full slate of 17 candidates across all constituencies  . The reveal brings clarity—and scrutiny—about who might challenge the SLP in swing districts.

The Candidate Shakeup: Amped Up

SLP’s Bold Moves: Veterans like Kenny Anthony and Joachim Henry remain sidelined. In their place: Lisa Jawahir (36, Communications Director) and Danny Butcher (39, educator). Excitement—or friction—persists at the grassroots.

UWP’s Lineup: With the full roster out, attention now turns to how these fresh faces stack up against incumbents—including long-timers like Philip J. Pierre.

Why UWP Still Trails

1. Chastanet’s Image Drag: His polished persona fails to cut through anger-fueled messaging.

2. SLP’s Reach vs. UWP’s Reactive Game: Today’s violence amplifies the SLP’s advantage—state programs appear responsive, while UWP must scramble.

3. Crime, Still the Defining Battle: With 2025’s count rising fast and visible in daylight, the stakes are sky-high. UWP must pair condemnation with credible policy—or risk being overwhelmed by fear-driven loyalty.

SLP’s Steel Scaffolding (Updated)

Resource Leverage: SLP continues to deploy housing, youth, and relief programs with calculated effect.

Electoral Volatility, Not Calm Momentum: Post-1997, only the SLP has broken through with consecutive wins. One-term ousters like UWP show voter willingness to change—but currently, UWP’s messaging falls short.

Crime as Incumbent’s Curse—and Buffer: Today’s murders deepen the crisis—and unless UWP offers urgent sanity via strategy, the electorate may choose the devil they know.

Prediction: SLP Holds On, But Under Fire

SLP: Predicted 8–10 seats, weaker but still in control.

UWP: May climb to 5–7 seats, but lacking the full majority (9 needed).

Why this still holds: Citizens reeling from today’s violence may cling to familiarity—unless UWP can pace a compelling plan.

The Bottom Line

Yesterday’s shootings have ratcheted up the stakes. Crime has become the election’s central battlefield, and UWP finally has its team—but is the message ready? Unless they move fast with real plans, fear may hand SLP a second term—not by strength, but by survival instinct.

Over to you: Can UWP convert  yesterday’s urgency into actual momentum? Or will voters once again fall back on the incumbent’s machinery?

SLP’s Indecision in Choiseul/Saltibus: Why Keithson “Kiffo” Charles Deserves the Nod

The people of Choiseul/Saltibus are growing restless. With the next general election looming, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) continues to drag its feet on announcing a candidate to go up against Bradly Felix. This delay has sparked unnecessary anxiety in the constituency and risks weakening the party’s momentum in one of the island’s most hotly contested battlegrounds.

Meanwhile, on the ground, one name is rising above the noise: Keithson “Kiffo” Charles.

The SLP’s Costly Delay

The indecision at the top is more than just politics—it’s a gamble with the confidence of grassroots supporters. Voters in Choiseul/Saltibus want clarity, stability, and leadership. Instead, they’re left in limbo while whispers swirl about who might eventually get the nod. The longer the administration drags its feet, the more it looks like the party is either divided or unwilling to trust the people’s choice. Both perceptions damage the SLP’s credibility.

Kiffo’s Momentum Is Real

While others wait, Kiffo is moving. He’s visible in the constituency, engaging residents, and earning the kind of grassroots trust that cannot be manufactured at the last minute. From village corners to community events, his presence is felt. This momentum is crucial, because winning Choiseul/Saltibus will not come from lofty speeches or last-minute parachutes—it will come from consistent groundwork and genuine connection with the people.

Why Keithson Over the Rest?

1. Grassroots Appeal – Unlike some of the other names floated, Kiffo’s connection with ordinary Choiseulians is undeniable. He speaks their language and understands their struggles.

2. Momentum Already Built – Elections are about energy. Right now, Kiffo is the only SLP hopeful building it. To replace him or delay his confirmation risks squandering that head start.

3. Credibility Against Bradley – Bradley Felix is not an easy opponent. Defeating him requires a candidate who already has people rallying behind him. Kiffo has shown he can galvanize support that extends beyond traditional partisan lines.

4. A Candidate of the Times – Choiseul/Saltibus wants change, but not just any change. They want someone they trust to represent them with authenticity and passion. Kiffo embodies that.

A Call to the SLP Leadership

The SLP cannot afford to continue second-guessing itself in Choiseul/Saltibus. The people are watching, the opposition is preparing, and Keithson Charles is already on the move. Every day of indecision is a day wasted.

If the administration truly listens to the people, the choice is clear: endorse Keithson “Kiffo” Charles now. Give him the official backing to match the momentum he has already built, and let him focus fully on unseating Bradly Felix.

Because in Choiseul/Saltibus, hesitation is not strategy—it’s self-sabotage

The She-Factor : How Women’s Issues Could Decimate Saint Lucia’s Incumbent in Upcoming Elections

The raw, unfiltered truth? Women hold the knife-edge in Saint Lucia’s looming general elections. From unsolved murders to economic despair, a powder keg of gender-driven frustrations threatens to explode at the polls. Forget party loyalty—this is about survival, justice, and raw betrayal. 

If you still think the “women’s vote” is just a soft, feel-good talking point, wake up. In St Lucia’s next general election (due by 2026), women are the swing bloc, the conscience, and the checkbook—rolled into one. Ignore them, and you lose. Full stop.

1. The Ghost of Kimberly De Leon: Institutional Betrayal & Missing Evidence

Kimberly De Leon’s 2018 murder isn’t just unsolved—it’s a symbol of state failure. Nearly seven years later, Police Commissioner Verne Garde admits crucial evidence is missing:

The firearm sent overseas for ballistics testing? Gone.

The noose from Shakadan Daniel’s 2013 death in police custody? Gone.

This isn’t mere negligence—it’s systemic rot. PM Philip J. Pierre calls it a “national outcry,” but the government’s inaction screams complicity. When evidence disappears in state custody, the message to women is chilling: “Your life is disposable.” In places like Castries and Micoud—where these victims lived—this isn’t politics; it’s personal trauma, and voters may return the favour at the ballot box.

2. Sheflation: Economic Despair with a Female Face

"Sheflation" isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a chokehold. Women in Saint Lucia are:

More educated (25.7% women vs. 17.3% men have tertiary degrees) yet less employed.

Carrying disproportionate caregiving burdens, blocking career growth.

Bearing the brunt of inflation in food, childcare, and healthcare.

The UN’s own data shows the crisis, but the government’s 2024-2025 Country Plan offers no real teeth for women’s economic empowerment. In labour-heavy constituencies like Vieux Fort South and Gros Islet—where women dominate low-wage tourism and agriculture—this neglect is political dynamite.

3. Violence Against Women: Polished PR vs. Bleak Reality

Yes, Saint Lucia launched a GBV Emergency Response Task Force (Dec 2024) and rolled out a Clinical Management of Rape Protocol (May 2025). But:

They’re reactive, not preventative.

Training healthcare workers after rape doesn’t stop rape.

Disaster protocols—critical given hurricanes and floods—are untested, even as UNFPA warns GBV spikes during crises.

With 40% of Caribbean women experiencing GBV, rural districts like Soufrière or Dennery—where resources are scarce—see this as hollow theater. Symbolism over substance bleeds votes.

4. Female Candidates: The Opposition’s Calculated Siege

The UWP is rolling out five fresh faces, including strong female contenders:

Leanna “Lady Lee” Johannes (Vieux Fort South): Media-savvy, deeply rooted in her community.

Marcella Johnson (Gros Islet): Businesswoman targeting women’s economic struggles.

These aren’t token picks—they’re strategic threats in SLP strongholds. If they weaponize De Leon’s murder or GBV policy failures, the incumbent could lose critical seats.

                                       Key Women’s Issues by Constituency

Constituency	Pressure Points	Threat to Incumbent
Castries        Kimberly De Leon	Sheflation	High – Symbol of state failure
Micoud Shakadan Daniel	Rural poverty	Critical – Fury over injustice
Vieux Fort South	UWP’s Johannes  Job losses	Severe – Swing seat potential
Gros Islet	UWP’s Johnson GBV gaps	Moderate – Business vote erosion
Dennery North Agriculture collapse	Care burdens	High – Rural women mobilization

5. The Youth Factor: Daughters Watching

First-time female voters (18–25) are educated, unemployed, and done waiting. At the Intergenerational Leadership Mixer (March 2025), they voiced frustration loud and clear. Dismiss them as “future leaders,” and they’ll punish you now—in urban battlegrounds like Castries Central.

The Verdict: Blood in the Water

The Pierre administration’s fate hinges on three big questions:

1. Will there be a breakthrough in the De Leon case? (Unlikely—evidence is “missing.”)

2. Can GBV protocols be transformed into real street-level safety? (Doubtful without time and funding.)

3. Will UWP’s female candidates outflank the SLP in empathy and trust? (Signs point to yes.)

Prediction: Constituencies with high female turnout and deep-seated trauma—like Micoud and Castries—will revolt. Marginal seats like Vieux Fort South and Gros Islet could fall to the opposition.

If women stay home, the incumbent limps on. If they mobilize? It’s a bloodbath. Either way, women write the ending.