Fact Check: How True Was Kiffo’s “New Beginning” Speech?

CHOISEUL/SALTIBUS — November 3, 2025.

Last Sunday night, under light showers and loud cheers, Keithson “Kiffo” Charles took the stage at La Fargue Playing Field for his official campaign launch.
His message was bold — “The season of silence is over.”
It was a promise to turn trust, legacy, and service into what he called “a new beginning” for the people of Choiseul and Saltibus.

But beyond the inspiring tone and hometown emotion, how did his claims hold up under the facts?
Here’s a closer look — plain, fair, and easy to follow.

1️⃣ “We are the party that pays CXC fees.” — ✅ Mostly True

Since 2022, the government has been paying examination fees for up to four subjects per student writing CSEC. Some parents still pay for extra subjects, but the core claim is true — government now shoulders most of the CXC cost for fifth-formers.

2️⃣ “We are the party that provides laptops.” — ✅ True

Every secondary school student now receives a government-issued laptop or Chromebook. The initiative was restarted under the current administration in 2022 and continues into 2025. It’s one of the few education policies that have earned bipartisan praise.

3️⃣ “We delivered a real minimum wage.” — ✅ True

Yes. Saint Lucia officially implemented a national minimum wage of $6.52 per hour (about $1,131 a month) in October 2024. It’s the first structured national wage floor in decades, confirmed by the Labour Department.

4️⃣ “We increased pensions.” — ✅ True

NIC pensioners received a 4.2% increase in 2022, another in 2024, and a 3.9% raise this year (2025). The government also increased the minimum pension for low-income retirees. Kiffo was right on this one.

5️⃣ “We made caregivers permanent.” — ✅ True

On October 8, 2025, 667 Home Care Providers were officially given permanent government status. That’s a confirmed and historic labour upgrade. Many of those workers come from rural areas like Choiseul, Saltibus, and Laborie.

6️⃣ “We will deliver St. Jude Hospital.” — ⚠️ In Progress

Kiffo’s confidence on St. Jude was heartfelt, but not fully factual. The hospital is still under construction with finishing works ongoing in Vieux Fort. The Prime Minister has promised completion “soon,” but there’s no public date for its opening yet.

7️⃣ “Hundreds of acres were given away for 99 cents an acre.” — ⚠️ Contested

This was a jab at the 2016 DSH land-lease deal in Vieux Fort.
Opposition sources claim hundreds of acres were leased for 99 years at $1 per acre.
The former government insists only part of the racetrack lands were leased under that term. Until the full document is released publicly, this remains a political claim, not a confirmed fact.

8️⃣ “EC$1.6M in constituency development funds — where are the projects?” — ❌ Unverified

While every MP receives annual allocations for community projects, there’s no official breakdown publicly confirming that Choiseul/Saltibus got $1.6 million. The number could be correct, but no transparent report exists.
Still, Kiffo’s question about “Where are the results?” is fair and resonant with voters.

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9️⃣ “Most new community tourism projects come from Choiseul.” — ⚠️ Unproven

The national Community Tourism Programme is real and active, and Choiseul has benefitted through its Arts & Craft Centre and local eco projects.
However, official figures don’t show Choiseul leading the country in project numbers — that claim was more rally rhetoric than record.

10️⃣ “All Souls Day is November 2.” — ✅ True

A small but poetic detail — and yes, All Souls Day always falls on November 2. Kiffo cleverly tied the day of remembrance to his message of new beginnings.

What the Speech Got Right

Kiffo’s biggest strength wasn’t in statistics — it was in tone.
He delivered a speech rooted in gratitude, history, and genuine community spirit.
His stories about helping families pay light bills and raising funds for the sick humanized him as “the neighbour who cares,” not just a politician seeking office.

Where It Needs Proof

When it came to big-ticket issues — like St. Jude’s completion, CDF spending, or land deals — some claims stretched beyond what the records show.
That’s not unusual for campaign launches, but as the campaign heats up, voters will expect receipts, not just rhetoric.

Bottom Line

Keithson “Kiffo” Charles’s maiden speech was a powerful and emotional debut.
It spoke directly to the hearts of Choiseulians who’ve long felt overlooked.
Most of his policy points check out with government data, though a few remain political talking points awaiting evidence.

Whether voters see this as the dawn of “a new beginning” or just another well-crafted campaign promise will depend on how much proof follows the passion.

📎 Read the Full Transcript:
Download Kiffo’s Full Speech (Word)