Choiseul-Saltibus Enters The Dawn of A New Day!

New direction

On June 6, 2016, Choiseul voted to change what passed over four and a half years for a semblance of parliamentary representation of its people. Some will say it was long overdue, while others on the other side of the divide will consider it a bad choice. Whatever it is – the people have spoken. For those that supported the losing side Dr. Steve Maraboli puts it nicely. “Be open enough to see opportunities. Be wise enough to be grateful. Be courageous enough to be happy.”

There appeared to have been a national dissatisfaction with the SLP – not with the candidates per se, but rather with Dr Kenny Anthony, the leader of SLP. A case in point – Webby, if I have it correct swung over to the UWP side this last election. Not because he does not like Lorne (they are relatives) but rather his dislike, to put it lightly, for Kenny Anthony, This was the mood expressed throughout the country. It even reflected in his constituency as well where the margin of his victory was minimal.

Lorne Theophilus

Lorne, the past parliamentarian gradually became unpopular with a number of his core supporters and this itself filtered down to the constituents. This was coupled with his irregular visits to the various constituencies. After handing Rufus his fair share of sticks during the 2006 campaign – ti canal, footpaths etc, Lorne went into the same infrastructural malaise which he so vociferously criticized Rufus for.

Lorne got it all wrong with his management style. I am not an expert on managerial skills but I sure can see when one is not working. Any candidate who has won in Polling Division I5, have always over the last elections won below 40. This time around a new comer Bradly Felix whooped Lorne Theophilus, the incumbent by 124 votes. Do you know why? Simple, his bluffs, his unkept promises, his 5 visits out of 1676 days of his tenure, and there was that notion he was only fighting for his political pension, was too much for the people to support him anymore.

Choiseul-Saltibus General Election results 2016

With reference to the figure on the left you will notice that about 60.03% or 5321 of 8864 of the registered voters turned out to vote the third largest turn out with Anse la Raye and Soufriere having turnouts of 60.91 and 60.59% respectively. Bradley secured 58.3% or 2995 while lorne captures 41.7% or 2143 of the votes cast. A comfortable lead of 852. There were 183 rejected votes. But in an earlier call to the electoral office as I started analyzing the statistics revealed as you will see at the bottom of the figure that 96% or 24 of the 25 ballot boxes have been counted. According to the electoral department they are in the process of inputing more data.

It is a new day for St Lucia! And the slogan “Change is coming” did hold its own during the General Elections. But Socrates says. “The secret of change is to focus all our energy, not on building the old, but on building the new.”  Yes, let’s get to work; focus our energies to build a new Choiseul-Saltibus and by extension a new St Lucia and forget the old. Let the petty partisan politics find no room in our chambers of development. Choiseul-Saltibus MUST put colours aside and RALLY WITH BRADLY in this dawn of a new day.

Bradley, Responsible For Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs.

Prime Minister of St Lucia

At yesterday’s lavish swearing in ceremony the Governor General on the advice of the Prime minister, The Hon Allen M. Chastanet, Prime Minister of St Lucia, informed the massive gathering at the Phillip Marcellin Stadium, in the Constituency opf Vieux Fort the name of each Minister and his/her allocated ministry. Allen Chastanet who was already sworn-in on June 7th, 2016 as Prime Minister, was announced to a thunderous applause as the Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and Public Service.

The full slate of Ministers are:-

1. Allen M. Chastanet – Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and Public Service

2. Dr Gale Rigobert -Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development

3. Ezechiel Joseph – Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives

4. Stephenson King – Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour

5. Guy Joseph – Minister of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation

Bradley Swearing-in as a Minister

6. Lenard Montoute – Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government

7. Edmund Estephane – Minister within the Ministry for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government

8. Senator Hermangild Francis – Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security

9. Senator Mary Isaac – Minister for Health and Wellness

10. Bradley Felix – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs

11. Dominic Fedee – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Information and Broadcasting

12. Jimmy Henry – Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives

13. Senator Fortuna Belrose – Minister within the Ministry for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government

14. Senator Ubaldus Raymond – Minister in the Ministry of Finance

15. Herod Stanislas – – Minister within the Ministry of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation

Bradley Felix

Bradley Felix’s Job in government  will be concerned with promoting economic growth. Being the Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, he is responsible to promote job creation and improved living standards for all St Lucians by creating an infrastructure that promotes economic growth, technological competitiveness, and sustainable development among other things. Among his tasks, are gathering economic and demographic data for business and government decision-making, and helping to set industrial standards. Bravo young man!!!!!!

Earlier in the ceremony five senators were given warrant of their appointment . They were Hermangild Francis, Mary Isaac, Fortuna Belrose, Jimmy Henry and Ubaldus Raymond. They,  later during the ceremony were offered ministerial positions. 

This blog,"Choiseul On The Move" believes, with Bradley's background experience in banking and finance, this job should be "a piece of cake." Choiseul-Saltibus wishes him and by extension the Prime Minister and the other Ministers of Cabinet all the very best and good luck in their respective portfolios. 

Youth Power - Rock the Vote by Nyus Alfred

Sometime ago we presented a young talented female writer, who wanted her name withheld and  who expressed her views on Lorne Theophilus' tenure. Today we present a talented young man by the name of Nyus Alfred who is spearheading the #ISTANDUP  campaign in favour of Bradley Felix. Here is his piece:
"Today I was challenged to provide justification for the ‪#‎ISTANDUP‬ with Bradly movement. Of course, I duly accept, and I will give you REASON #1, and ask that you join the #ISTANDUP movement as we look to bring change to Choiseul/Saltibus.
For the creation of a holistic youth development plan to tap into the talents of the youth of Choiseul- in sports, arts, music, business, agriculture and education, #ISTANDUP
HOW?

Nyus Alfred

For the implementation of grassroots developmental cricket and football programs for youth 5 years and older, #ISTANDUP. Sports has always been an essential part of the Choiseul/Saltibus community, especially cricket, and these programs will help nurture talents in these sports, to continue our tradition of producing top class sportsmen and women.
For the repair, maintenance and development of sporting infrastructure in Choiseul/Saltibus, to provide first class facilities to help harness the talent among our youth, #ISTANDUP
For the creation of a youth help desk to assist the youth of Choiseul/Saltibus in taking advantage of the various educational and employment opportunities available, #ISTANDUP.
For the creation of model farms across the communities, which will provide employment for our young people, #ISTANDUP.
For increased collaboration with the Choiseul Youth and Sports Council and youth leaders to help identify the various issues affecting the youth of the community, and for working together to find amicable solutions, #ISTANDUP
For recognizing the excellence among our youth in all fields, through support of the annual CYSC awards, #ISTANDUP

To be continued…..

For the creation of programs to support the underprivileged youth with our schools, #ISTANDUP
#ISTANDUP with Bradly Felix for Choiseul/Saltibus because he does more than believe in the youth; He has a PLAN to develop the youth! With Bradly we will create a culture that not just accepts youth, but celebrates youth. The Youth Movement is about to get into overdrive in Choiseul/Saltibus, so make sure that you get on board! ‪#‎YOUTHPOWER‬ ‪#‎ROCKTHEVOTE‬"

Bradley Felix plans to address unemployment in Choiseul - By Samuel Sukhnandan

Bradley Felix

As unemployment continues to plague the island, United Workers Party (UWP) candidate, Bradley Felix, plans to play his part in tackling the issue head on, in Choiseul, if elected the constituency’s Member of Parliament (MP).

Felix said this is not just his plan for Choiseul, but it is also part of his party’s vision to create sustainable jobs for all Saint Lucians, particularly young people, who are most affected by this issue.

While acknowledging that it would require hard work and dedication, the banker said he is prepared to make it a reality for the people of his beloved community.

In a recent interview with Saint Lucia News Online (SNO), Felix said that the issue of unemployment is on the lips of many persons, not only in Choiseul, but throughout the length and breadth of Saint Lucia.

“You hear about it, but until you start visiting houses and you realize that every other house has some young person, who has left school three, four, five years ago, and they are still home, unemployed and unable to get employment, you ask yourself whether the unemployment figure is accurate,” he said.

The UWP candidate who spoke passionately about bringing drastic changes to Choiseul, said he plans on tapping into the tourism and agriculture sectors to address the unemployment issue.

Checking on the Arts and Craft

Felix believes that Choiseul has the potential to develop a heritage tourism market, especially since the constituency is known for having a lot of Saint Lucia’s historic sites, rivers and parks. This, he said, will help to create employment opportunities for people of all ages there.

“I think we need to start thinking outside of the box and create some opportunities to get the tourist dollar and for them to stop in the community. Right now, the tourist just pass through the community. You have the occasional people, who come and climb the Pitons, and people who come and look for specific craft components, but you don’t get people stopping in the community,” he explained.

He argued that despite the current MP is the incumbent tourism minister and the fact that Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony is from Choiseul, this does not change anything, because the people in that constituency have been left out and no one has really benefited from the tourism dollar.

Bradley on his Pineapple farm

Model farms

Felix has his eyes set on creating model farms for Choiseul, which will hopefully attract young people to the agriculture sector. He explained that government would have to first subsidize the project, but it will then be left up to the young people to take ownership of it, and get a meaningful income.

Choiseul is already known as a fishing and farming village. But Felix thinks that there have been a lot of lip service as it relates to agriculture, although the area has very fertile lands which could be used for agriculture purposes.

“A couple of years ago, it was identified for housing development and I think we need to identify what is best for housing and what is good for agriculture,” he added.

Felix promises not only to do more, but  is aiming to change the face of politics in the country, where the people are put first, and where politicians start showing respect for the people they serve.

“The people are only recognized as masters when it comes to election time, as it is happening right now. All of a sudden, the people are the biggest concern and you forget about them until the next election. I really plan to provide a different kind of representation and to make myself accessible to the people.”

The banker expressed confidence in winning the seat based on several factors, when asked about his chances in the next election.

Felix said he is a genuine person, who has a good relationship with people of all walks of life in the constituency and beyond.

Mingling with the Gia Bois residents

“What you see is what you get. I don’t try to play the normal political role that people play, where you find they are trying to meet with grass roots people and trying to put themselves in areas they are not comfortable with. That’s not me. I have always been a people’s person and a community person.”

He said when he goes to sit down and talk with the people now, it is not something new to him, because he has always been engaged with them. “This is not something that I am doing because of politics. I would help the fishermen pull their boats in and sit down with the guys on the block discussing issues, playing games, going on the farms. It’s just my way of life.”

Felix has been a banker for most of his professional career. He has worked in the banking industry for over 32 years. His last position was senior manager for Corporate Banking at the East Caribbean Financial Holding Company (ECFH) or what is commonly referred to as the Bank of Saint Lucia

Slide show

Source: http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/bradley-felix-plans-to-address-unemployment-in-choiseul/

Editor's note: Pics and video belongs to Choiseul on the Move

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Bradley Felix - Simply Choiseulian To The Very Core!

It is now common knowledge that the United Workers Party (UWP) has endorsed its candidate for the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency. Bradley Felix, a banker, will be contesting against the incumbent MP and Minister of Tourism, Lorne Theophilus.

In a statement on his Facebook page Bradley describes who he is in the most of simplistic terms – thus giving an all-round picture of the man’s humility.

BRADLEY FELIX FOR CHOISEUL/SALTIBUS

“Who am I?

Bradly Felix is a successful career banker, environmentalist and creative soul. He was born in the village of Choiseul, the first of his mother’s and fifth of his father’s children.

While Bradly grew up in the CDC in Castries he spent every single school vacation in Choiseul and up until 2 years ago did not know how Christmas was celebrated outside of Choiseul. Throughout his life
Mr. Felix maintained an intense affection and connection with Choiseul encouraging friends to come feel the Choiseul experience whether it be climbing the pitons, bathing in the river or a waterfall or just enjoying the incomparable scenery. It was not a surprise that he would decide to build his home in Choiseul despite working in the extreme north of the island. Mr. Felix is married and proud father of three.”

 His page is being overwhelmed with “likes” as I write this piece. Here are a  few Comments from his page:

Anne Sheran Ferdinand: You a good guy Brad with a good heart I wish you the best in your endeavor

Stickey Kronik Boom: Kudos to Mr. Felix for taking that big step in his quest to bring quality representation to the "people's republic of Choiseul"

Mandy Joseph: Great individual had the pleasure of being neighbors in CDC to his wonderful family

Ethel Jn. Baptiste: A REAL CHOISEULIAN!

Marie C Auguste: Good Luck

Brenda Ifil: All the best Bradley, you are always true to yourself

Jhune Richards All the best Bradley!

Leontius Joseph I feel proud when I see young people from my village stepping up to the challenge go for it son you will be in my prayers

General elections are due anytime this year according to a number of pundits.

"Dave Cameron, You Are No Julian Hunte" - Peter Thomas

Julian Hunte

There is an unwritten rule in leadership that requires a leader to go about his role doggedly with quiet dignity. A leader must never behave in a manner that mirrors a reality TV star. It is the second time that Dave Cameron has gone on tweeter and reveal crassness unbecoming the dignity that his office demands. This man clearly

does not have the appreciation of what one of the last hopes and symbols of West Indian unity means to the Caribbean people. One could never accuse Sir Julian Hunte of not being a dignified gentleman through and through. Even when he faced a greater onslaught of problems with a militant WIPA, consistently declining on-field performance, declining revenue streams, and other issues mostly due to a sudden and rapid transformation of the game and its attendant implications he kept his composure and plodded along.

The Caribbean people who have been spoilt by the dominance of the West Indies wanted results and they wanted it now. They failed to appreciate the factors that were mitigating against the West Indies in the midst of the upheaval and called for his head.

What we were presented as a better alternative has proven to be nothing of such.

Instead what we have is a leader who has consistently demonstrated "Trumpesque" behaviour in tweeting insults, fighting words, and throwing unnecessary shade at the persons whose interests he is supposed to represent and champion. This is a clear manifestation of a man who has lost touch with the game, the organization, and the men and women who serve it.

Dave Cameron

Mr. Cameron has shown that he does not possess the temperament, leadership acumen, and vision to lead this dysfunctional WICB nor any newly formed administrative structure in the wake of his immediate departure.

I've met Julian Hunte, I know Julian Hunte, Dave Cameron you are no Julian Hunte.

I Have Never Known Things To Be Worse In St. Lucia Than It Is Today - Jimmy Haynes

Jimmy Haynes

I made the following statement three years ago and unfortunately it is still relevant. sigh!
I started typing something and my connection abruptly got severed and I do not know if what I had begun to say would have got me in trouble. It seems that speaking your mind in St. Lucia could affect your livelihood just like exercising your voting franchise.

So we tread lightly and while we mouse around things get worse and we blame the politicians.

 My friends I have never known things to be worse in St. Lucia than it is today. I look around my community on this Easter weekend and I can see and feel the misery. The bars and dancehalls are virtually dead. While that may not be a bad thing it is also an accurate measurement of our local economy and it is dormant. Somethings have to change and only we can effect such.

How many people have not settled their monthly obligations this past month? How many of us shudder when a twin cab four wheel drive parks outside our homes? Is it LUCELEC coming to disconnect us? How was your Easter? Most of us on Facebook are too young to know what Easter meant to St. Lucians a couple decades ago.

 It is pathetic; people are suffering while some are living the life not because of their hard work and innovation but because of their affiliations. It is not fair. In this time we cannot afford this nepotism, political favoritism and all this kissing-ass. Say something and say it loud otherwise, perish.

I mean no one any harm.

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