NO SMILES WITHOUT REPRESENTATION!

The Forgotten Communities of Choiseul/Saltibus are drowning in disillusionment, gasping for a breath of competent representation. We reminisce about the days when JMD Bousquet and Gilbert Mason graced our political landscape, providing a glimmer of hope and genuine concern for our welfare. But what about now? From Brian Charles to Bradley Felix, each representative seems to be a mere shadow of what true leadership should be.

 Drive through Choiseul Village, wander through Roblot, La Maze, Debreuil, or Rivere Doree — do you see anything worth smiling about? The answer is a resounding no. Unemployment grips our youth like a vice, squeezing the life out of their aspirations. Parents struggle to scrape together enough to send their children to school, facing the cruel reality of financial hardship. Where is the beacon of hope in all of this despair? Nowhere to be found.

The government introduced the Youth Employment Program, a lifeline for our struggling young people. Yet, our representative failed to lift a finger to guide them through the bureaucratic maze, leaving them stranded with dashed hopes and unfulfilled dreams. Can they muster a smile in the face of such negligence? Absolutely not.

And what about the Roblot multi-purpose center, standing idle like a monument to broken promises? Constructed in early 2023, it serves as a painful reminder of our representative's ineptitude. We're left in the dark, wondering when, if ever, it will be handed over to the community. Is this a situation that warrants a smile? Hardly.

The smiles have vanished from the faces of our youth, our elders, our workers, our families — from every corner of The Forgotten Communities. Is there a glimmer of hope on the horizon? Perhaps, but until then, we remain in a state of perpetual disillusionment, yearning for the day when genuine leadership will bring back the smiles we've lost. So, does our representative have anything to smile about? Maybe he'll find solace in this article or the blue sky above, but for us, the sky seems perpetually gray.

**Celebrating Vern Charles' Historic Victory: A Triumph for Education in St. Lucia**

As educators, we are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Vern Charles on her resounding victory in the St. Lucia Teachers' Union president election. With an impressive tally of 774 votes, Vern's triumph over her opponent, John Estaphane, who garnered 472 votes, marks a historic moment for our union and education in St. Lucia as a whole.

Vern's landslide victory is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the betterment of education and the rights of teachers. Her extensive experience as an educator and her dedicated involvement in trade unionism have undoubtedly resonated with her fellow educators, leading to this overwhelming show of support.

This momentous win holds significant implications for the future of the St. Lucia Teachers' Union and, by extension, the education sector in our country. Vern's leadership promises a new era of advocacy, empowerment, and progress for teachers and students alike. As she takes the helm, we can expect to see a renewed focus on addressing the pressing issues facing educators, enhancing the quality of education, and fostering a conducive working environment for teachers.

Vern's victory sends a powerful message that the voices and concerns of educators matter and will be championed at the highest levels. It reaffirms the importance of strong, principled leadership within our union and underscores the collective desire for positive change and advancement in our profession.

In her moment of triumph, Vern herself has expressed gratitude and humility, stating, "I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust and confidence that my fellow educators have placed in me. I am committed to serving each and every one of you to the best of my abilities and to tirelessly advocating for our rights and the welfare of our students."

As we move forward under Vern's leadership, let us rally behind her with unwavering support and dedication. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for education in St. Lucia, where every teacher is valued, every student thrives, and our union stands as a beacon of progress and unity.

Congratulations once again, Vern Charles, on your historic victory. May your tenure as president be marked by success, collaboration, and transformative change for the benefit of all.