Is Borrowing The Only Way To Save Our Water, Or Are We Sinking Into Too Much Debt?

A Choiseul on the Move hard question for Saint Lucia.

That is the question Saint Lucia must now face without emotion, without political shouting, and without pretending that dry taps are normal.

The government has moved to borrow millions to strengthen water infrastructure, including financing for the John Compton Dam pipeline. On paper, that sounds necessary. In reality, many Saint Lucians will say: finally.

The Case For Borrowing

If the system is old, leaking, under pressure, and unable to meet demand, then investment cannot wait forever. Water infrastructure is expensive. Pipes, treatment systems, reservoirs, pumps, and engineering work do not come cheap.

So yes, borrowing for water can be defended — if the money is properly managed and the work is delivered.

But Here Is The Other Side

Saint Lucia cannot borrow its way out of every crisis. Today it is water. Tomorrow it may be roads, ports, health, schools, or climate recovery. At some point, the country must ask whether enough of its own revenue is being directed toward the things that matter most.

If water is life, then water infrastructure should not be treated like an afterthought until the dry season embarrasses the country.

The Real Test

• Will the project be completed on time?
• Will the public see value for money?
• Will communities outside the main northern system benefit too?
• Will WASCO reform accompany the infrastructure work?
• Will future CIP funds be used more directly for national essentials?

Choiseul Deserves Answers Too

For Choiseul, Saltibus, Roblot, La Fargue, Debreuil, Riviere Doree, Piaye and surrounding communities, the issue is simple: when national water plans are discussed, the south must not be remembered only when there is a crisis.

The people want reliability. Farmers want confidence. Families want dignity. Businesses want predictability. Nobody wants to hear big speeches while the tank is empty.

Our Take

Borrowing may help save the water system, but borrowing alone cannot save the country from poor planning.

The real solution must be water security, financial discipline, and accountability — all flowing together.

 

Saint Lucia’s Water Crisis: The Dry Season Is Exposing More Than Empty Taps

Choiseul on the Move looks at the borrowing, the drought, and the hard questions Saint Lucians must now ask.

Saint Lucia is once again being reminded that water is not just a household issue. It is a national survival issue.

As the 2026 dry season tightens its grip, communities are feeling the pressure. WASCO has already reported serious production challenges, including a major drop in the southern network. For many households, this is not theory. It is buckets, barrels, tanks, low pressure, dry taps, and frustration.

The Big Move: Borrowing To Fix The System

Government has gone to Parliament for major water infrastructure financing, including approximately US$22.8 million from the Caribbean Development Bank for the John Compton Dam Raw Water Pipeline Replacement Project.

This project is expected to replace ageing pipeline infrastructure that serves one of the island’s most important water sources.

But Let Us Be Honest

Saint Lucia did not arrive at this point overnight. The pipes did not age overnight. The dam did not become stressed overnight. Climate change did not begin yesterday. And WASCO’s structural problems have been discussed for years.

So yes, the loan may be necessary. But the public also has a right to ask whether we waited too long, planned too slowly, and allowed politics to dance around water while communities suffered.

What Choiseul Must Watch

• Will the southern communities benefit meaningfully?
• Will the work reduce dry-season pressure in places outside the north?
• Will there be clear timelines and public updates?
• Will conservation become a national habit, not just a crisis message?
• Will future CIP funds be directed more boldly toward water security?

The Debt Question Cannot Be Brushed Aside

When a country borrows for water, the purpose is serious. But borrowing still has consequences. Every loan has repayment terms. Every dollar borrowed today must be paid tomorrow. That is why citizens are right to ask whether alternative funding sources, including Citizenship by Investment funds, should play a larger role in protecting basic infrastructure.

Water is not luxury. Water is life. And when water becomes uncertain, agriculture suffers, businesses suffer, schools suffer, health suffers, and ordinary families carry the burden first.

Finally

The 2026 dry season has exposed a hard truth: Saint Lucia needs more than emergency responses. It needs long-term water discipline, serious infrastructure planning, honest financing, and national accountability.

Because when the rain stops falling, excuses do not fill a bucket.

 

CHOISEUL–SALTIBUS NOW HAS AN ATTACHÉ — WHAT THIS REALLY MEANS FOR THE CONSTITUENCY

The appointment of Mr. Gaspard Blaize as attaché to the Parliamentary Representative of Choiseul–Saltibus has sparked discussion across the constituency.

Some residents are supportive.
Others are cautious.
And many are simply asking one question:

“What exactly is an attaché supposed to do?”

Well, let’s put the politics aside and deal with facts.

No fluff. No bluff.

WHO IS GASPARD BLAIZE?

Mr. Blaize is not a newcomer to leadership or disciplined public service.

Before entering this political support role, he reportedly served:

• as a police officer with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force,

• and later spent approximately 24 years as Director of Security at a major hotel on the island.

That is significant experience.

A Director of Security at a major hotel is not simply someone watching cameras or supervising guards.

That role involves:

• managing large teams,

• handling emergencies,

• coordinating operations,

• conflict resolution,

• public relations,

• incident management,

• leadership under pressure,

• and maintaining discipline and structure.

Combined with his policing background, it means Mr. Blaize comes into this position with decades of experience in:

• organization,

• authority,

• public interaction,

• and operational management.

He was also highly visible during the election campaign and was regarded as one of the important ground figures helping mobilize support throughout the constituency.

So politically speaking, his appointment did not happen in a vacuum.

WHAT IS AN ATTACHÉ REALLY?

This is where many people become confused.

An attaché is NOT an elected official.

The people of Choiseul–Saltibus elected ONE Parliamentary Representative.

That authority remains solely with the MP.

An attaché is appointed to SUPPORT the work of the representative.

In practical terms, the attaché may help with:

• constituency coordination,

• communication,

• community outreach,

• follow-up on issues,

• project monitoring,

• scheduling,

• administrative support,

• and maintaining presence across communities.

Modern constituency politics is demanding.

People now expect:

• instant feedback,

• accessibility,

• regular updates,

• problem-solving,

• and visibility.

One representative alone often cannot effectively manage all of that.

That is where an attaché can become useful — IF the role is handled correctly.

WHY THIS APPOINTMENT MAY MATTER IN CHOISEUL–SALTIBUS

Choiseul–Saltibus is not a small or simple constituency.

The concerns stretch across:

• roads,

• water shortages,

• agriculture,

• youth development,

• sports,

• housing,

• community centers,

• social support,

• employment,

• and infrastructure.

Residents often complain about one major issue:

ACCESS.

People want:

• quicker responses,

• follow-up,

• and stronger visibility from leadership.

A disciplined attaché with organizational experience could potentially help improve communication flow between the constituency office and residents.

That is likely part of the thinking behind this appointment.

BUT HERE IS WHERE THE PUBLIC MUST PAY ATTENTION

Titles alone solve nothing.

What matters is HOW the role is carried out.

Because there are two possible outcomes.

BEST CASE SCENARIO

Mr. Blaize’s background in law enforcement and hotel security management could help bring:

• discipline,

• structure,

• responsiveness,

• organization,

• and maturity to constituency operations.

His experience managing people and situations over decades may help:

• improve follow-up,

• coordinate community concerns,

• and strengthen outreach efforts across the constituency.

At his stage in life, many may also see him as someone bringing experience and calmness rather than political aggression.

And truthfully, experience still matters in leadership.

THE QUESTIONS SOME PEOPLE WILL STILL ASK

Others may quietly wonder:

• Will this create another layer between residents and the MP?

• Will people now have to “go through” an attaché for access?

• Will all communities be treated equally?

• Will younger voices get opportunities?

• Will politics influence who gets assistance?

Those are fair public questions.

And they are questions that naturally arise whenever attachés are appointed anywhere in Saint Lucia.

WHAT SHOULD CHOISEUL–SALTIBUS REALLY FOCUS ON NOW?

Not hype.
Not rumours.
Not political excitement.

The constituency should focus on RESULTS.

Will communication improve?

Will issues get faster follow-up?

Will projects move more efficiently?

Will all communities feel represented?

Will the constituency office become more responsive?

That is what matters now.

FINAL WORD — NO FLUFF, NO BLUFF

The appointment of Gaspard Blaize signals that the Parliamentary Representative is trying to strengthen constituency operations with someone viewed as disciplined, experienced, and politically trusted.

Whether this becomes:

• a genuine improvement for Choiseul–Saltibus,
  OR

• merely another political title,

will depend entirely on performance.

Because in the end, Choiseul–Saltibus people are not interested in titles alone.

They want representation that WORKS.

 

Choiseul Jazz Is Over — Now Choiseul-Saltibus Deserves the Receipts

The music played. The crowd came out. The lights shone on La Fargue. Choiseul had its moment — and for that, we say well done.

But now that the stage has come down and the last note has faded, the people of Choiseul-Saltibus have a right to ask a serious question:

What did Choiseul really gain?

This is not about attacking anyone. It is not about being against culture, music, tourism, or community celebration. In fact, events like Choiseul Jazz can bring life, pride, business, and exposure to the district.

But celebration must never replace accountability.

If public resources, sponsorship, government support, or community energy were invested, then the people deserve a clear report. How much was spent? Who benefited? How many local vendors got opportunities? Were Choiseul artists, workers, small businesses, security providers, taxi operators, and service providers included in a meaningful way?

The Receipts Matter

Choiseul-Saltibus is not asking for bacchanal. Choiseul-Saltibus is asking for transparency.

We need to move beyond nice speeches and pretty photos. We need numbers. We need outcomes. We need to know whether this event was just a good night out, or whether it formed part of a larger plan for economic activity, cultural development, and district growth.

A festival must not be a one-night sparkle followed by silence.

Culture Is Important — But So Is Development

Our people love music. Our people love community. But our people also need better roads, reliable water, youth opportunities, sporting facilities, community spaces, jobs, and support for small businesses.

So yes, give us Jazz. But also give us a development report.

Give us the plan after the performance.

Give us the follow-up after the festival.

Choiseul-Saltibus Must Not Just Clap — We Must Count

Too often, communities are asked to celebrate without being shown the full picture. That must change. The people are not just an audience. The people are stakeholders.

If the event was successful, report it proudly. If there were weaknesses, admit them honestly. If local people benefited, show the evidence. If improvements are needed, say so and fix them.

No Fluff. No Bluff. Bring the Receipts.

Choiseul Jazz may be over, but accountability season has just started.

Choiseul-Saltibus deserves culture, yes — but culture with transrrparency. Celebration, yes — but celebration with community benefit. Music, yes — but music tied to measurable progress.

Because when the lights go off, the real question remains:

Did Choiseul-Saltibus simply host an event — or did Choiseul-Saltibus move forward?

Choiseul on the Move will be watching. The people deserve the receipts.

Development and Responsibility Must Walk Together

Choiseul on the Move responds to T Adrian Joseph commentary in May 12th edition of Now Grenada titled "CONSIDER OUR PEOPLE"(https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EmzxytTgs/)

 It is  understood that whenever concerns are raised about community wellbeing, health, safety, and the environment, those concerns deserve to be heard respectfully and addressed responsibly.

It is known fact that for decades, Rayneau Group has been more than just a construction and industrial company in the Caribbean. It has been a builder of roads, opportunities, livelihoods, infrastructure, and national development across several territories — including Grenada. Their employees are Caribbean people. Their customers are Caribbean people. The communities they operate in are OUR communities too.

Choiseul on the Move rejects any suggestion that Rayneau would knowingly place profit above the health and wellbeing of citizens. That is not who the company is and it is not how they operate.

At the same time, the company recognizes that modern development must walk hand in hand with environmental responsibility, transparency, and community engagement. They support constructive dialogue grounded in facts, science, lawful processes, and mutual respect — not fear, speculation, or division.

We believe that Rayneau remains committed to:
✔ Operating within the laws and regulations of Grenada
✔ Working with the relevant authorities and agencies
✔ Supporting responsible environmental practices
✔ Listening to community concerns
✔ Continuously improving operational standards and safeguards

Development and environmental stewardship are not enemies. Grenada deserves both economic progress AND healthy communities — and responsible companies must help deliver both.

We believe the best path forward is one of cooperation, accountability, open communication, and evidence-based discussion. As a Caribbean company with deep regional roots, Rayneau remains committed to being part of the solution, part of the progress, and part of the future.

🟠 Rayneau Group of Companies will be forever
“Creating Opportunities, Building Your Future

 

🎓 CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE

District 7 Stands Proud As Our Grade 6 Students Take On CPEA 2026!

Today and tomorrow, the classrooms may be quieter than usual, but across Choiseul–Saltibus and the wider island of Saint Lucia, hearts are beating with pride, hope, nervous excitement, and determination as Grade 6 students sit the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA).

For many of these young students, this is more than just an exam. It is the culmination of years of sacrifice, long nights of studying, extra lessons, encouragement from parents, and the tireless dedication of teachers who refused to give up on them even when the road became difficult.

Today, Choiseul on the Move pauses to salute the incredible principals, teachers, learning support assistants, school cooks, janitors, bus drivers, parents, guardians, and education officials who helped prepare these students for this important milestone.

From Roblot Government School to Saltibus Combined… from Piaye Combined to Reunion Primary… from Mongouge to Delcer, Dugard, Riviere Doree, Choiseul, and every school throughout District 7 — your work matters.

Too often, we celebrate only the final results and forget the people who stayed behind after school to conduct extra classes… the teachers who bought supplies from their own pockets… the principals who carried pressure quietly… and the parents who prayed every morning before sending their children off to class.

District 7 comprises 11 primary schools and 2 secondary schools stretching from Laborie to Choiseul.
That is a powerful educational network shaping the future of the south.

And let us be honest — our district has talent. Plenty talent.

Last year, District 7 schools also showed strong cultural and academic energy, with schools like Saltibus Combined making national headlines through student achievement and participation.
That same spirit is now entering the examination rooms this week.

But beyond grades and placement scores, this moment is about something even deeper:

✨ Confidence.
✨ Discipline.
✨ Character.
✨ Believing that children from rural communities can compete with anyone in Saint Lucia.

To every Grade 6 student reading this:

Do not let fear defeat you before the paper even starts.

You have already overcome years of challenges to reach this point. Your teachers prepared you. Your parents supported you. Your communities believe in you.

Walk into that examination room with confidence.

Read carefully.
Stay calm.
Trust your preparation.
Pray if you must.
And give it your very best.

Remember — one exam does not define your worth, but giving your best effort always will.

The entire Choiseul–Saltibus community is rooting for you.

💙💛📚

To the teachers and school staff of District 7 and across Saint Lucia:

THANK YOU.

Your fingerprints are all over the future of this nation.

And that deserves respect.

#ChoiseulOnTheMove
#CPEA2026

 

🌟 CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE 🌟

From Roblot Combined School to International Leadership Training — Saluting Sergeant Gaveline Brouet 🇱🇨

There are moments as a teacher that stay with you forever. One of those moments is seeing a former student rise, grow, and make his community proud on a national and international stage. Today, I celebrate one of my former students from the Roblot Combined School — Sergeant Gaveline Brouet of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Marine Unit.

As a teacher, you sometimes come across students whose discipline, attitude, and quiet determination leave a lasting impression. Gaveline was one of those young men. To now see him representing Saint Lucia in an international leadership and national defense programme in Monterey, California, fills me with tremendous pride and joy.

From April 17 to May 1, 2026, Sgt. Brouet successfully completed the Leadership and National Defense Course at the Defense Security Cooperation University in California — a prestigious programme designed to sharpen leadership skills, strategic thinking, decision-making, defense planning, and the ability to handle modern national security challenges.

This is not just a personal achievement for Sgt. Brouet. It is a proud moment for Sauzay, Roblot, for Choiseul, and for every young person growing up in our rural communities who may sometimes wonder whether greatness can come from small beginnings.

Too often, the spotlight only shines on negativity involving young men. But today, we pause to recognize excellence, discipline, growth, and service. Young men like Gaveline Brouet are proof that with focus, humility, and hard work, our sons from communities like Sauzay can stand confidently on the international stage and represent Saint Lucia with honour.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force deserves commendation as well for continuing to invest in leadership development and professional growth within its ranks. A stronger, better-trained police force benefits the entire nation.

To Sergeant Gaveline Brouet — congratulations. Your journey is inspiring, your accomplishments are meaningful, and your community is proud of you. Continue to rise, continue to lead, and continue to make Choiseul proud.

Choiseul is watching.
Sauzay is celebrating.
And one former teacher is smiling proudly today. 🇱🇨👏

#ChoiseulOnTheMove
#RoblotProud