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Saturday, November 29, 2025

✅ EDUCATIONAL VOTER NOTICE – CHOISEUL/SALTIBUS

As we get closer to Election Day, it’s important that every voter knows exactly how to correctly mark their ballot. Your vote must be marked clearly, once, and in the box of the candidate you support.

Below are TWO examples to guide you:

1️⃣ VOTE FOR KEITHSON CHARLES LIKE THIS:

2️⃣ VOTE FOR BRADLY FELIX LIKE THIS:

🗳️ REMEMBER:

✔️ Only place ONE X next to ONE candidate
✔️ Keep your mark inside the candidate’s box
✔️ A spoiled ballot cannot be counted
✔️ If you need help on Election Day, ask the presiding officer — assistance is your right

Let’s make every vote count!
Choiseul/Saltibus—be informed, be confident, and vote correctly.

Friday, November 28, 2025

A GIANT. A TRAILBLAZER. A MAN OF THE PEOPLE


On the heels of national decision-making, we pause to celebrate a figure whose influence has quietly shaped communities, opportunities, and lives across Saint Lucia.


Today, we proudly honour our Man of the Year — a leader whose impact goes far beyond construction and business.


👉 Read the full tribute here:

https://rayneau.blogspot.com/2025/11/rayneau-gajadhar-saint-lucias-man-of.html?m=1

What the NDP Victory in St. Vincent Could Mean for St. Lucia’s December 1 Elections

The political landscape in the Caribbean shifted dramatically last night when the New Democratic Party (NDP) swept to victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, ending the 24-year reign of the Unity Labour Party. It was a result that stunned regional observers, electrified Vincentians, and sent ripples across every island where elections are on the horizon — including right here in Saint Lucia.

With Saint Lucians heading to the polls on December 1, many are now asking: Will this political earthquake in St. Vincent influence the mood and momentum in Saint Lucia? Let’s take a closer look.

   A Regional Mood for Change?

Across the Caribbean, elections tend to feed off each other. When a long-standing government falls — especially one that many thought “could never lose” — it creates a psychological shift among voters in neighbouring islands.

The NDP’s win tells a compelling regional story:
People are increasingly willing to break long political traditions when they feel their economic and social needs aren’t being met.

This alone could energize certain voter groups in Saint Lucia, particularly those who have been quietly dissatisfied but unsure whether real change is possible.

   Saint Lucian Undecided Voters Now Have a Real-Time Example

Many undecided Saint Lucians have been torn between sticking with what they know or taking a chance on something new.
But now they are looking across the sea and seeing Vincentians making that leap.

Here’s the difference this makes:

  • It normalizes the idea of changing governments after long control.
  • It reassures hesitant voters that “change” doesn’t automatically equal chaos.
  • It creates a powerful sense of regional momentum that opposition parties can tap into.

When your neighbour successfully chooses a new direction, it makes the idea more real — and more possible — for you.

   Campaign Narratives in Saint Lucia Just Shifted

Political parties in Saint Lucia will quickly adjust their messages following the SVG outcome.

  • Opposition forces will point to St. Vincent as proof that voters everywhere are rising up against high cost of living, unemployment, and governance fatigue.
  • The incumbent will likely reframe the campaign to emphasize stability, cautioning voters against “experimenting” during uncertain economic times.

But one thing is clear:
The St. Vincent results have rewritten the narrative heading into our final campaign weekend.

    Economic Pressures Are a Shared Regional Reality

Cost of living. Food prices. Youth unemployment.
These issues hammered Ralph Gonsalves in SVG — and they’re hammering Saint Lucia too.

Voters now have a real-time example of a population that voted primarily on bread-and-butter issues. This could amplify economic concerns as the centre of conversation in Saint Lucia over the next few days.

   A Wake-Up Call for Political Leaders in Saint Lucia

NDP’s victory is a reminder that no government is safe, no matter how entrenched.

For Saint Lucia’s political class, the SVG landslide is a warning flare:

  • Do not take your base for granted.
  • Do not assume the electorate is asleep.
  • Do not underestimate the power of frustrated youth.

Saint Lucians are watching exactly how quickly a tide can turn when voters feel ignored or taken for granted.

Final Thoughts

While Saint Lucia is not St. Vincent — our political culture, party loyalties, and national issues differ — the psychological impact of last night’s election cannot be ignored.

What happened in St. Vincent has injected a new energy into our region. It has reshaped the final days of campaigning here at home. And it has, without question, intensified the curiosity of Saint Lucian voters who now want to see whether the “SVG effect” will spill over into our own ballot boxes.

December 1 now feels even bigger.
The region is watching.
And Saint Lucia may very well be the next chapter in this unfolding Caribbean story of political renewal.

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Golden Years Under Pressure: The Quiet Struggles of Older Choiseul/Saltibus Residents:

For many older residents of Choiseul/Saltibus, the “golden years” don’t feel very golden at all.

Behind the smiles at church, in the shop line, or sitting on a roadside bench, there’s a quiet struggle playing out every day — stretching small social security payments, paying for doctor visits and medication, and trying to retire with dignity in a world that’s getting more expensive by the month.

Let’s talk honestly about it.

   Living on Social Security: When the Money Just Can’t Stretch

For most seniors in Choiseul/Saltibus, the main lifeline is a monthly pension from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or a small government assistance grant.

The problem?
Prices have gone up on everything:

  • Food at the shop or supermarket
  • Cooking gas and electricity
  • Transport to town for clinic visits or to collect medication
  • Basic household items and personal care products

Many older people are left doing harsh calculations:

“Do I pay the light bill… or do I buy my tablets?”
“Can I afford fresh fruits this week… or must I just buy flour and rice?”

Some receive strong support from children and family. Others are alone or have relatives who are struggling just as much. Pride also plays a role — many elders don’t like to “beg,” so they quietly cut back on meals, skip important purchases, or run up credit at the village shops.

   Health Care Costs: Free on Paper, Expensive in Reality

People often say, “But health care is free at the public hospital.”
In real life, older residents know that staying healthy still costs money:

  • Medication shortages mean buying tablets at private pharmacies.
  • Transport to Soufrière, Vieux Fort, or Castries for tests and specialist visits is not cheap.
  • Private doctors are sometimes the only option to get seen quickly.
  • Special diets for diabetes, hypertension, or heart conditions are more expensive than a simple “bread and butter” life.

For a retired farmer or shopkeeper on a small pension, a single test or private consultation can wipe out half the month’s income. Many seniors in our district “self-manage” serious illnesses because they simply cannot afford consistent follow-up care.

   Retirement Security: When Work Never Really Ends

Retirement in Choiseul/Saltibus is not always a rocking chair and a peaceful sea breeze.

A lot of older residents:

  • Still farm small plots, rear a few animals, or sell a little produce to survive.
  • Help raise grandchildren so their own children can work.
  • Take on casual work — cooking, washing, odd jobs — just to add a few dollars to the pension.

Very few had access to private pensions, long-term savings plans, or financial planning when they were younger. Many worked in informal jobs: farming, construction, domestic work, shop work, or small hustles that never contributed to NIC.

Now, in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, they are facing:

  • Uncertainty: “If I get sick, what will happen to me?”
  • Anxiety: “If my child loses their job, can they still help me?”
  • Fear of dependence: Nobody wants to feel like a burden.

   The Emotional Toll: Loneliness and Worry

Money and health are only part of the story.

There is also:

  • Loneliness when children move away or migrate.
  • Stress when bills pile up.
  • Shame when elders feel they “shouldn’t be struggling at this age.”

Some older residents stay strong through faith, community groups, church, or friendly neighbours who check in and share a meal. But we must admit: too many are suffering quietly behind closed doors.

   Where Do We Go From Here?

If we care about our elders — the same people who built Choiseul/Saltibus with their hands, their sweat, and their sacrifices — then we can’t just shrug and say, “That’s life.”

We need:

  • Stronger, more realistic social security benefits that reflect today’s cost of living.
  • Better access to affordable health care and medication, especially for chronic illnesses.
  • Community-based support systems so no elderly person in our district is left hungry, lonely, or neglected.
  • Financial education for younger generations, so history doesn’t repeat itself.

Most importantly, we need to listen.
Sit with the older people in Roblot, Piaye, Mongouge, Dacretin, Caffiere, Saltibus, Delcer — and ask them what help they truly need. The solutions for retirement security, health care, and social support must include their voices.

Because a community that honours its elders is a community that respects its own future.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Mikey Pilgrim Speaks - National Address Analysis Michael “Mikey” Pilgrim Speaks: Reading Between the Lines of His National Address


When former Prime Minister Michael “Mikey” Pilgrim appeared on national television last night, Saint Lucia paused. Like him or not, Pilgrim is one of those political figures who still knows how to command attention – calm tone, careful wording, and the quiet authority of someone who has sat in the hot seat before.

But beyond the polished delivery, his statement carried layers of meaning: part warning, part reminder, and part repositioning. This wasn’t just about talking to the nation for old times’ sake. It felt like a deliberate move to influence the mood of the country in the final stretch before a critical general election.

A Return to Statesmanship – or a Strategic Comeback?

Pilgrim presented himself as the elder statesman returning to offer guidance. He spoke of national unity, political maturity and the need for leaders to rise above petty division. The tone was gentle, reflective and reassuring – almost nostalgic for a different political era.

Still, this was no harmless “hello.” The subtext was clear: “I am still here. I am still watching. And my voice still matters.” In a campaign where credibility and experience are on the ballot, that reminder is not accidental.

Soft Words, Sharp Edges

Pilgrim avoided direct attacks, but he did not avoid critique. Through references to rising frustration, declining respect in public debate and the need for honest leadership, he gently pointed at the shortcomings of the current political climate.

He did it in classic Pilgrim style – not by calling names, but by painting a picture of what leadership should look like. Anyone listening carefully would have heard the message: the country deserves better than noise, anger and ego.

The Voice of Stability in an Uncertain Moment

One of the strongest themes in the speech was stability. In a time of early elections, unfinished national projects and growing anxiety over health care and the economy, Pilgrim stepped into the frame as the calm, steady hand.

Whether you agree with his past record or not, this address clearly aimed to remind Saint Lucians of a time when he was the one steering the ship – and to invite comparison with the present.

A Direct Appeal to Young Voters

Interestingly, he spoke directly to the youth. Pilgrim urged young Saint Lucians to register, to vote, and to demand accountability from those who seek power. That section was not just sentimental; it was strategic.

The youth vote will help shape the outcome of the next election. By reaching out to them, Pilgrim positioned himself not just as yesterday’s leader, but as someone still engaged with tomorrow’s electorate.

Country Before Ego, People Before Party”

Perhaps the most important line of the speech was his call for leaders to put country before ego, and people before party. It sounded like simple wisdom, but it landed like a quiet rebuke to the entire political class.

To many listeners, it raised questions about decision-making at the top – including the timing of the election and the state of key national projects. Others heard it as a challenge to the Opposition as well, urging them to keep their own politics clean and focused on issues.

Why Now? Timing Is Everything

The timing of this address is no coincidence. With days to go before the polls, Pilgrim’s statement:

  • Steadying undecided or nervous voters,
  • Reinforcing his own legacy as a national figure,
  • And quietly influencing the tone of the final campaign days.

Social media reactions show that both sides tried to claim parts of his message to suit their narrative. That alone tells you how carefully the speech was crafted.

Final Thoughts: Pilgrim Didn’t Just Talk – He Shifted the Energy

In a season of noise, slogans and sometimes vicious attacks, Michael “Mikey” Pilgrim stepped in with a calm, measured reminder of what leadership is supposed to sound like. His address may not have contained fiery reveals or dramatic threats, but it quietly changed the temperature of the conversation.

Whether you see him as a mentor, a critic or a political operator, one thing is certain: he chose his moment carefully – and Saint Lucia was listening.

Choiseul on the Move will continue to track the national mood, the speeches, and the strategies as election day approaches. Stay tuned for more in-depth breakdowns and community perspectives.

Four Days to Go: How Choiseul/Saltibus Is Shaping Up Ahead of December 1st

With just four days before Saint Lucia goes to the polls, the Choiseul/Saltibus race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and electrifying contests of the 2025 general election. Both candidates—Keithson “Kiffo” Charles (SLP) and Bradley “Flex” Felix (UWP)—are digging in for a final push, and based on what we’re observing on the ground, this race could go right down to the wire.

This is not a prediction—that comes on November 30th—but an honest, balanced look at where things seem to be heading as of now.

Delcer (I1): Flex Territory… but Some Noise Around the Edges

Delcer continues to stand firm behind Flex. He has deep roots there, and the numbers traditionally start in his favour.
Yes, whispers are circulating that Kiffo is “making moves” in the area, but many residents believe the few new faces showing him love might be non-voters simply playing along.
Delcer remains UWP’s safest box.

Mongouge (I2): A Clear Kiffo Win—But Not the Landslide It Could Have Been

Mongouge is undeniably leaning red this cycle.
Kiffo is expected to take this box comfortably, but the momentum isn’t at the level it could have been.
Why?
Some residents quietly resent the lack of support Kiffo’s family gave to a former UWP hopeful from the area. That issue—small to some, big to others—has cooled what could have been a roaring Mongouge wave.
Still, Mongouge belongs to Kiffo.

La Fargue (I3): A Swing Box Edging SLP

La Fargue is once again the heart of the fight.
Right now, it appears to be leaning toward Kiffo, with signs that he may surpass Pauline’s 2021 performance.
One reason? Cedars—that tight-knit enclave seems ready to throw stronger support behind the SLP this time around, shifting the balance.

Dacretin (I4): A Tug-of-War With No Clear Winner

Dacretin looks like a battlefield—plain and simple.
Two highly influential community figures, one on each side, are working overtime to secure their candidate’s victory.
At this stage:
It could go either way.

Roblot (I5) & Piaye (I9): The Multipurpose Center Factor

These two polling divisions appear to be leaning toward Flex—and not because of party loyalty alone.
Residents are still upset that their multipurpose centers have remained closed for over two years.
That frustration is real, and it’s translating into votes.
Unless something dramatic happens, both boxes favour Flex as a form of punishment for what many view as neglect.

Jetrine (I7A–I7B): Kiffo Stronghold

There’s no debate here—Jetrine is overwhelmingly behind Kiffo.
His support there is deep and dependable.

Dugard (I6): A Kiffo Blowout

Dugard is lining up behind Kiffo in a big way.
This is expected to be another one of his strong boxes district-wide.

Saltibus (I8): The Wild Card of the Valley

Saltibus is the box to watch.
Rumors indicate Flex may see increased support, mainly because many relatives of former candidate Pauline—who had leaned SLP last time—may return home to UWP in this election.
If this shift holds, Saltibus becomes the game-changer.

So Where Does This Leave Us?

The race is tight—tighter than many expected.
Both candidates have strengths. Both have weaknesses. And both have pockets of passionate supporters.

If Flex wins big in Saltibus and Delcer, he could walk away with the seat.

If Kiffo energizes Mongouge and secures La Fargue convincingly, he could claim victory.

At this point, the election in Choiseul/Saltibus will not be decided by emotion or noise—it will be decided by turnout, ground strategy, and whether each candidate can protect their strongholds while chipping into the opponent’s territory.

This is simply our analysis—not gospel, not prophecy.
But one thing is certain:
Choiseul/Saltibus is heading into a nail-biting finish.

Stay tuned for our Final Predictions Post on November 30.

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

⭐ THE ECONOMY: Stability vs Expansion

The economy is always the heart of any manifesto — and here, the SLP and UWP paint two very different pictures of Saint Lucia’s present and future.

🔴 SLP: “We Fixed It.”

The SLP opens its scorecard with a strong argument:
the economy has been stabilised since 2021.

Their claims include:

  • Moving from a $117M deficit to a $95M surplus
  • Achieving the lowest unemployment in recorded history (about 8.8%)
  • Introducing a national minimum wage
  • Providing tax refunds to 8,000+ citizens
  • Raising the income tax threshold to $30,000
  • Clearing back pay and government arrears

THE MESSAGE:
“You can trust us with the economy — we repaired it and protected households.”

🟡 UWP: “We Will Grow It Faster.”

The UWP narrative is the opposite.
They argue that SLP slowed the economy and that Saint Lucia needs bigger, bolder, more aggressive expansion.

Their plans include:

  • New large-scale investments
  • Lower taxes across multiple sectors
  • A $75,000 National Health Insurance plan
  • Major tourism expansion
  • More public-private partnerships
  • Faster job creation through infrastructure and foreign investment

THE MESSAGE:
“The country needs speed, scale, and ambition — and only we deliver that.”

⚖️ HEAD-TO-HEAD SUMMARY

Issue SLP Approach UWP Approach
Fiscal Balance Stabilise, reduce deficit, move to surplus Grow economy aggressively
Taxes Relief for households, higher tax exemption Broader tax cuts
Jobs Youth entrepreneurship, gradual growth Large investment + fast job creation
Investment Style Measured, accountable, community-focused Big projects and PPPs
Tone “We delivered already.” “We will launch bigger things.”

🧭 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR VOTERS

If a voter values stability, debt control, and steady improvement, SLP’s message resonates.

If a voter prefers rapid development, large-scale investment, and tax-cut-driven growth, UWP’s message stands out.

Saint Lucia must choose between two philosophies:

  • Build carefully
  • Expand boldly

Both offer benefits — but both come with different risks and trade-offs.