MR. REPRESENTATIVE, STEP MUST BE FOR EVERYBODY — NOT JUST THE SAME FAMILIAR FACES!

Choiseul on the Move asks: If we can introduce a fair application system for school assistance, why can't we do the same for STEP?

By Choiseul on the Move | Community • Accountability • Fairness

There is something I have been observing in our constituency for many years, and I believe the time has come for us to stop merely talking about it and start demanding a better way of doing things.

I am referring to the manner in which supervisors and workers are selected for the Short Term Employment Programme, commonly known as STEP.

On August 15, 2026, this blog published an article entitled “STEP in Choiseul-Saltibus: Dignity in Work — But Where Is the Path to Real Employment?”

In that article, under the heading “Who Gets Selected?”, we raised some serious questions about the selection process.

We questioned the perception that the same supervisors are appointed from one programme to another and that some of these supervisors appear to have their own preferred groups of workers who repeatedly benefit.

Today, I am returning to that issue because I believe there is a practical solution.

And, interestingly enough, our Parliamentary Representative, Hon. Keithson “Kiffo” Charles, has already demonstrated through another constituency initiative how a more organised application process can work.

But first, let me make something absolutely clear.

This is not an attack on STEP workers, supervisors or the Parliamentary Representative. It is a challenge to improve a system that should serve everybody fairly.

THE SAME SUPERVISORS, THE SAME WORKERS — HOW LONG MUST THIS CONTINUE?

Let us talk plainly.

STEP is supposed to provide temporary employment and some financial relief to people who need it.

It is not supposed to become a permanent arrangement through which a small circle of individuals enjoys repeated access while others struggle to get their first opportunity.

Yet the perception persists that certain supervisors return for programme after programme, sometimes accompanied by workers who have already benefited from previous cycles.

Now, I am not suggesting that every returning supervisor is undeserving or that every returning worker was improperly selected.

Some supervisors may be excellent at their jobs. Some workers may have demonstrated outstanding reliability and commitment.

But that is not the point.

The question is whether everybody else is being given a fair opportunity to be considered.

And who decides?

Is it the supervisor?

Is it the constituency office?

Is it the Parliamentary Representative?

Or is there an established selection procedure administered by the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund?

These are not unreasonable questions.

They are questions that people should be entitled to ask when public resources are involved.

WE HAVE BEEN ASKING THESE QUESTIONS FOR YEARS!

Some readers may be surprised to learn that Choiseul on the Move was raising concerns about STEP selection in Roblot as far back as March 2012.

Again, in December 2013, we wrote about the need to rotate supervisors and provide fair opportunities to residents who were being overlooked.

That was under a different Parliamentary Representative.

Today, the personalities have changed, but the question remains.

Have we changed the system, or have we merely changed the people who benefit from it?

I have maintained for years that what is wrong under one political administration cannot suddenly become right under another.

If favouritism was wrong yesterday, it remains wrong today.

If exclusion was unacceptable under a previous representative, it must be equally unacceptable under the present one.

That is what consistency in public accountability means.

MR. CHARLES, YOU SAID YOU ARE THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR EVERYBODY

Hon. Keithson Charles has expressed the principle that he represents all the people of Choiseul-Saltibus.

I welcome that position.

Indeed, that is exactly how parliamentary representation should operate.

Once the election is over, the elected representative assumes responsibility for the entire constituency, not simply those who voted for him.

The person who voted Labour has a right to representation.

The person who voted UWP has that same right.

And the person who voted for neither party must not be treated as a second-class constituent.

Poverty does not carry a party card.

Unemployment does not ask how somebody voted.

An empty kitchen cupboard does not know the difference between red and yellow.

So why should access to a few days of government employment ever be influenced by political allegiance?

I am not saying that this is necessarily happening in every STEP programme. I am saying that the selection system must be transparent enough to demonstrate that it is not happening.

Mr. Charles, if you are indeed the representative for everyone, then this is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what that promise means in practice.

Not through another speech.

Not through another photograph.

But through a selection process that every constituent can understand and trust.

YOU HAVE ALREADY SHOWN US A BETTER WAY WITH SCHOOL ASSISTANCE

During the 2026 back-to-school period, the Parliamentary Representative introduced a Constituency Educational Assistance Programme through which residents could apply for assistance.

Successful applicants were subsequently invited to receive their support.

This blog commended the initiative.

And I believe there is a valuable lesson to be learned from that approach.

Instead of relying entirely on informal recommendations or personal connections, an application system creates an opportunity for residents to put forward their circumstances for consideration.

Of course, an application alone does not guarantee fairness. The criteria, assessment and final decisions must also be fair.

Nevertheless, the approach offers a foundation worth building upon.

Why can't we establish a similar system for STEP?

Why should a struggling mother have to approach a supervisor to find out whether she might get a few days of work?

Why should an unemployed young man have to depend on somebody remembering his name?

Why should a resident who has never worked on STEP be left wondering whether there is even a way to apply?

Let people apply.

Let their circumstances be assessed.

Let their previous participation be taken into account.

Let qualified people compete fairly for supervisory positions.

And let the selection decisions be documented.

It is not rocket science.

It is simply good administration.

HERE IS THE SYSTEM I WOULD LIKE TO SEE INTRODUCED

I am proposing that the Parliamentary Representative work with the SSDF and other responsible authorities to establish a structured, transparent STEP selection process for Choiseul-Saltibus.

1. OPEN REGISTRATION BEFORE EVERY STEP CYCLE

Announce when applications are being accepted.

Give residents reasonable time to register.

Make application forms available at the constituency office and designated community locations, with an online option for those who can use it.

Nobody should have to hear about STEP only after the workers have already been selected.

2. CREATE A CONSTITUENCY-WIDE REGISTER OF APPLICANTS

Record each applicant's community, employment status, relevant experience, household circumstances and previous participation in STEP.

This would help identify residents who have never benefited and households facing genuine financial hardship.

Personal information must remain confidential.

3. GIVE PRIORITY TO NEED — NOT POLITICAL CONNECTIONS

STEP is a social-support initiative, not simply an ordinary employment competition.

Consequently, financial need, unemployment, household responsibilities and previous access to assistance should be important considerations.

Where applicants have comparable needs, preference could be given to those who have not previously benefited, while retaining room for returning participants where justified.

Political affiliation must never be a selection criterion.

4. INTRODUCE A FAIR SUPERVISOR SELECTION PROCESS

Supervisors have responsibilities.

They must organise workers, ensure proper attendance, monitor performance, enforce safety procedures and account for work completed.

Those positions should therefore be filled through a documented assessment of competence, experience, reliability and supervisory ability.

There should be opportunities for qualified new applicants to be considered.

No supervisor should regard the position as a personal entitlement.

5. REMOVE UNCHECKED CONTROL OVER WORKER RECRUITMENT

This is especially important.

If supervisors have substantial influence over who joins their teams, that influence must be subject to independent review.

A supervisor should not be allowed to treat publicly funded employment as a personal recruiting exercise.

Workers should be selected through the approved programme process and assigned to teams according to operational needs.

Where a supervisor recommends particular workers, the reasons should be documented and potential conflicts of interest declared.

6. INTRODUCE FAIR ROTATION

Where demand exceeds the number of available jobs, the system should provide an opportunity for eligible first-time applicants rather than repeatedly relying on the same individuals.

Rotation should not be automatic in every case, because some workers may have exceptional needs or particular skills.

But repeated selection should be explainable.

7. PUBLISH THE RESULTS — WITHOUT EXPOSING PRIVATE DETAILS

After each STEP cycle, the constituency should be told:

• How many residents applied.

• How many were selected.

• How many were first-time participants.

• How many had worked in previous cycles.

• How many supervisors were appointed and how they were assessed.

• How opportunities were distributed across the constituency's communities.

This information could be published without revealing applicants' financial or personal circumstances.

8. ESTABLISH AN APPEALS OR COMPLAINTS PROCESS

Residents who believe they were unfairly excluded should have somewhere to raise their concerns without fear of victimisation.

That process should be independent enough to command public confidence.

AND WHAT ABOUT THE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED?

Choiseul-Saltibus is not one village.

It is a constituency made up of several communities, each with its own residents, challenges and employment needs.

Whether someone lives in Roblot, La Fargue, Mongouge, Dacretin, Saltibus, Delcer, Piaye, Caffiere or elsewhere, that person deserves fair consideration.

This does not mean that every community must receive an identical number of jobs.

Some communities may have greater needs, larger populations or more work to be undertaken.

But it does mean that opportunities should be distributed according to reasonable, publicly understood principles.

We must also ask whether work being done in a particular community creates opportunities for eligible residents of that community.

Surely local participation should be considered where practical.

MR. REPRESENTATIVE, HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS I WOULD LIKE YOU TO ANSWER

I believe these questions deserve straightforward answers from the constituency office and the authorities administering STEP.

QUESTION ONE: Who presently has the final authority to approve STEP supervisors and workers in Choiseul-Saltibus?

QUESTION TWO: Are supervisors permitted to choose or recommend their own workers? If so, what safeguards prevent favouritism?

QUESTION THREE: What are the actual criteria used to select supervisors, and are those criteria available to the public?

QUESTION FOUR: How many supervisors appointed during the most recent STEP cycle had supervised previous cycles?

QUESTION FIVE: How many workers were first-time participants, and how many were returning participants?

QUESTION SIX: Is there an official register of unemployed constituency residents seeking STEP employment, or does recruitment still depend heavily on informal recommendations?

QUESTION SEVEN: What measures ensure that residents are neither favoured nor excluded because of their political affiliation?

QUESTION EIGHT: Would you support an open application and documented assessment process, similar in principle to the constituency's educational assistance initiative?

QUESTION NINE: What steps can be taken to ensure that qualified new supervisors and workers receive a genuine opportunity in future cycles?

QUESTION TEN: Will the constituency office commit to publishing basic, non-personal STEP selection statistics after each cycle?

These questions are not intended to embarrass anyone.

They are intended to establish accountability.

And if fair procedures already exist, then the responsible authorities should explain them to the people.

LET US NOT CONFUSE FAIRNESS WITH PUNISHING RETURNING WORKERS

There is something else I want to make clear.

I am not advocating that somebody who worked on STEP last year should automatically be barred from working this year.

That would be unfair too.

What I am saying is that nobody should have an automatic advantage simply because they know a supervisor, have worked with a particular team before or are associated with the political party in office.

A fair system recognises both experience and need.

A responsible supervisor who performs well deserves consideration.

A worker who consistently delivers good work should not be punished for being reliable.

But neither should those qualities become an excuse for excluding everybody else.

There must be a balance.

And that balance is best achieved through a transparent selection process rather than individual discretion.

THE REAL TEST OF REPRESENTATION IS HOW YOU TREAT THOSE WHO DID NOT VOTE FOR YOU

Mr. Charles, I want to return to your declaration that you represent everybody.

That statement carries a responsibility.

It is easy to represent the people who supported you.

They attend your meetings. They promote your initiatives. They defend you when criticism comes.

But the real test of inclusive leadership is how you treat the resident who supported your opponent.

Can that person approach your office confidently?

Can that person's child benefit from an educational assistance programme?

Can that resident apply for STEP without wondering whether political allegiance will influence the decision?

Can a qualified person who belongs to the other side of the political divide be considered for a supervisory position?

That is where the promise of representation for everyone must become reality.

You do not have to reward an opponent for opposing you.

You simply have to ensure that being an opponent does not disqualify that person from receiving fair consideration for publicly funded assistance.

And that principle must apply equally to every political administration.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR KIFFO TO SET A NEW STANDARD

I believe our Parliamentary Representative has an opportunity to introduce a meaningful reform.

The educational assistance application process provides a starting point.

Why not take that concept further?

Why not establish a STEP system in Choiseul-Saltibus that other constituencies could eventually emulate?

A system in which applications are invited openly.

A system in which need and suitability matter.

A system in which supervisors are accountable.

A system in which first-time applicants receive genuine consideration.

A system in which no resident feels compelled to seek political favour simply to earn a few days' wages.

And, most importantly, a system in which the Parliamentary Representative can confidently tell the entire constituency:

Everybody has an opportunity to apply. Everybody is assessed fairly. Nobody is excluded because of how they voted.

Now that would be progress worth applauding.

MY FINAL WORD

I have watched STEP come and go through different governments and different parliamentary representatives.

I have seen the value of the programme to families who desperately need temporary financial assistance.

I have also seen how questions about selection and favouritism can undermine public confidence.

After all these years, surely we can do better.

Mr. Charles, this is not a demand for special treatment for one political side over the other.

It is a demand that there be no political sides at all when public assistance is being fairly administered.

The public purse belongs to the people of Saint Lucia.

Not to the SLP.

Not to the UWP.

Not to any supervisor.

Not to any parliamentary representative.

To the people.

And when public money creates opportunities, every eligible citizen deserves a fair chance to benefit.

So, Mr. Representative, I leave you with one final question:

If a structured application system is good enough for distributing school assistance to our children, why should a similarly fair and transparent system not be good enough for selecting the men and women who work on STEP?

I believe the people of Choiseul-Saltibus deserve an answer.

And, more importantly, they deserve a system that works.

Because representation for everyone must mean opportunity for everyone.

Choiseul on the Move

Community • Accountability • Development

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Previous article: STEP in Choiseul-Saltibus: Dignity in Work — But Where Is the Path to Real Employment?

 

CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE | COMMUNITY UPDATE

THE RIDE IS ON! 🚌

A Community Campaign That Delivered Results!

Gratitude, determination and a reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together.

There are moments when community advocacy must give way to community celebration. And today, Choiseul on the Move is pleased to report one such moment.

After months of concerns, appeals, conversations, follow-ups and anxious waiting, the additional school transportation arrangement for students travelling from Lamaze and Roblot to Beanefield Secondary School has finally begun.

For the parents who have been digging deep into their pockets to finance daily transportation, this development represents more than another bus on the road.

It represents relief. It represents hope. And most importantly, it represents progress.

THE GOOD NEWS!

An arrangement has been introduced for students from Lamaze and Roblot to travel to the Three-Roads Junction, where they transfer to the designated school bus serving Beanefield Secondary School.

A First-Day Glitch — And a Parent Who Saved the Day

As is sometimes the case with newly introduced arrangements, the first morning did not go entirely according to plan.

The arrangement was straightforward: a bus would collect the children in Lamaze and Roblot and transport them to the Three-Roads Junction, where the designated school bus would be waiting to take them to Beanefield Secondary School.

Unfortunately, when the children arrived at the junction, the designated school bus had already departed.

It appears there may have been a communication or scheduling misunderstanding during the initial coordination of the service.

But what happened next deserves special recognition.

❤️ A Parent Who Went Above and Beyond

One concerned mother had decided to accompany her child that morning to see for herself how the new transportation arrangement would operate.

As fate would have it, her presence turned out to be a blessing.

When she discovered that the connecting school bus had already left, she did not abandon the children or wait helplessly for someone else to resolve the situation.

She took immediate action, placed all five affected students on another bus and personally paid their fares so they could get to school.

She subsequently contacted the Parliamentary Representative, and the coordination problem was addressed to prevent a recurrence.

To that mother, whose name we have deliberately not mentioned, we extend a heartfelt and very special THANK YOU.

Your actions demonstrated what community responsibility is all about. You did not think only of your own child. You looked out for every child who found themselves stranded that morning.

That is the spirit of community we must never lose.

Thank You, Kiffo — Credit Where Credit Is Due

Throughout this campaign, Choiseul on the Move has maintained regular communication with Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul/Saltibus, Keithson “Kiffo” Charles, regarding the difficulties facing affected parents.

There were moments of frustration. There were questions about delays. There were occasions when we pressed for clearer answers and more definite timelines.

And yes, there were times when our persistence may have tested the patience of those involved.

But the objective was never personal or political.

It was always about getting our children to school without placing an unbearable financial burden on their parents.

Today, we are pleased to acknowledge that the Parliamentary Representative followed through with efforts to secure the additional transportation arrangement.

We thank him for engaging the relevant authorities, communicating developments and responding when the first-day difficulty was brought to his attention.

👏 THANK YOU, MR. REPRESENTATIVE!

On behalf of the affected parents and students, we express sincere appreciation for your intervention and for helping to move this long-standing concern towards a practical solution. We hope the service will now operate consistently and reliably.

A Word About Community Advocacy

There is another important lesson in this experience.

Sometimes people wonder whether raising community concerns through a blog, a Facebook post or direct communication with public officials really makes a difference.

Well, this experience demonstrates the value of persistence, respectful engagement and constructive advocacy.

Choiseul on the Move raised the issue, highlighted the burden facing parents, questioned the inequality in transportation arrangements and continued seeking answers.

We did not allow the matter to disappear simply because assurances had been given.

And when progress was reported, we acknowledged it.

That is what responsible community advocacy should be about.

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM DEDAN

I make no apology for being persistent when the welfare of our children is at stake.

But I also believe that when someone responds positively to a genuine community concern, we must be gracious enough to acknowledge it.

This was never about claiming a personal victory. It was about ensuring that struggling parents received some relief and that their children were given a fair opportunity to attend school.

Today, I am happy to say thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.

The Real Winners Are Our Children

There are no political winners or losers in this story.

The real winners are the children who can now look forward to a more manageable journey to school.

The winners are the parents who can breathe a little easier knowing that one more financial burden may finally be reduced.

And the winner is our community, which has demonstrated that concerns raised constructively can lead to meaningful action.

Of course, the first-day difficulty also reminds us that proper coordination, clear communication between drivers and reliable pickup times are essential.

We trust that the adjustments reportedly made will ensure the service operates smoothly in the days ahead.

From Promises to Progress

Those who follow Choiseul on the Move know that I have often repeated an old saying:

“A promise is a comfort to a fool.”

But today, I would like to add something to that saying:

A promise fulfilled can restore confidence, ease hardship and remind people that their voices matter.

We welcome this development with gratitude, and we hope it marks the beginning of a dependable transportation arrangement for the students who need it.

🚌 THE RIDE IS ON!

Thank you, Kiffo.
Thank you to our caring parent.
Thank you to everyone who stayed the course.

OUR CHILDREN. OUR FUTURE. OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE
Our Community. Our People. Our Stories.
Recognizing progress. Encouraging accountability. Celebrating community spirit.

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ONE DAY TO PAUSE: LET OUR TEACHERS AND CHILDREN CATCH THEIR BREATH

By De Dan | Choiseul on the Move

Today, Monday, October 26, Saint Lucia’s teachers and students have a one-day midterm break, following yesterday’s Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations. For families across Choiseul/Saltibus, it offers a short pause from the school morning rush.

As a retired teacher and a grandfather, I welcome that pause. But I also believe we should give some thought to what we expect this single day to accomplish.

A welcome start

The Government Information Service confirmed in September that a midterm break had been incorporated into the 2026–2027 academic calendar, with particular attention to teachers’ mental health and well-being.

That recognition matters.

Teaching demands more than the hours spent standing before a class. There are lessons to prepare, books to mark, parents to communicate with and children whose difficulties follow the teacher home in thought, long after the school bell has rung.

Those of us who have worked in a classroom know the feeling. Sometimes you leave school, but school does not leave you.

Our children, too, deserve consideration. Think of the child waking before daylight, getting ready for transport, spending the day in class and returning home to assignments. Here in Choiseul/Saltibus, where some students travel beyond their communities to attend school, that routine deserves our attention.

A chance to slow down is welcome.

But is one day enough?

Education Minister Kenson Casimir has defended the length of the break, citing regional practice and financial considerations. He also encouraged teachers to disconnect from their phones and spend the day focusing on themselves.

My view is straightforward: welcome the day, then assess whether it serves its purpose.

One day provides breathing space. Whether it provides enough is a fair question for teachers, parents and students to answer from experience.

The Ministry should seek their feedback before planning future breaks. Did teachers actually rest? Were children able to unwind? What arrangements did working parents have to make?

Those are practical questions that can help improve the school calendar.

For our Choiseul/Saltibus families

A school break does not automatically mean a day off for parents. Some households will still have work, farming, business and other responsibilities to manage.

Where possible, let us help one another with safe supervision. A grandparent, relative or trusted adult can make a difference, but arrangements should be clear: who is responsible, where the child will be and how the parent can be reached.

And let us resist filling every free hour.

After the excitement of Jounen Kwéyòl, today can be a quieter day at home—sharing a meal, talking about yesterday’s celebrations or listening to an older relative explain a tradition.

There is learning in those conversations too. A child who hears how grandparents cooked, farmed, played and helped their neighbours is receiving something no worksheet can fully capture.

Ask the child how school is going

This pause also offers a simple opportunity to listen.

Ask your child: “How are things at school?”

Then give them room to answer.

Is there a subject they cannot follow? Is the journey tiring? Are they settling into a new school? Is something troubling them?

The purpose should be understanding. Sometimes the most useful thing an adult can do is sit down and pay attention before deciding what help is needed.

Let the break mean something

To our teachers across Choiseul/Saltibus: I hope today gives you a little peace and time for yourselves.

To our students: enjoy the pause and prepare calmly for your return.

To parents and guardians: follow your school’s notices about resumption and any particular arrangements.

And to the education authorities: keep listening. A day of rest is welcome, while the everyday concerns of classroom workload, student support and school resources still require steady attention.

Here at Choiseul on the Move, we welcome this recognition that the people inside our schools need time to recharge.

Let us give them the space to do so.

How has the one-day midterm break worked for your household? Is it enough, and what would you suggest for the future?

🇱🇨 BON JOUNEN KWÉYÒL, CHOISEUL! 🇱🇨

CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE

Bon Jounen Kwéyòl, Choiseul!

Celebrating the people and traditions that make us who we are.

Today, I am thinking of the old people—the stories they told, the food they shared, and the lessons they taught us without ever standing before a classroom.

You could hear culture in their voices, taste it in their cooking, and see it in the hands that shaped clay, plaited baskets and worked the land.

Our people. Our heritage. Our pride.

Here in Choiseul, we have plenty to be proud of. From Roblot to Reunion, Saltibus to Mongouge, our communities carry memories and traditions worth passing on.

So today, enjoy the bouyon, wear your madras, beat the tanbou and give the Kwéyòl a good airing! Pull a chair beside an elder. Tell a child how things used to be. Support a local cook, farmer or craftsperson.

Let the young ones hear about playing marbles, hunting manicou and gathering for games under the moonlight. Let them discover the patience behind a woven basket and the skill behind a clay pot. Every story shared gives another generation something to treasure.

And when the music stops, let us carry that same togetherness into tomorrow—checking on our neighbours and caring for our communities.

Our language deserves to be spoken with pride throughout the year. Our elders deserve to be heard. And our children deserve to know the roots from which they grow.

Choiseul on the Move wishes everyone at home and abroad a happy and safe Jounen Kwéyòl.

Wherever you celebrate, take a little Choiseul with you!

Our people. Our heritage. Our pride.

 SALTIBUS, TONIGHT IS NOT JUST ANOTHER MEETING

Tonight, Thursday, October 22, residents of Saltibus and surrounding communities are being invited to the Saltibus Combined School from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for an important meeting concerning the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project.

According to the official notice, the purpose is to inform stakeholders about the commencement of civil works connected to Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration programme.

Now, let us be clear: geothermal energy may hold tremendous possibilities for Saint Lucia. It could help reduce our dependence on imported fuel, strengthen our energy security and perhaps—if properly managed—bring long-term benefits to the country.

But Saltibus is not merely a location marked on a project map.

People live there. People farm there. Families have built homes there. Residents use the roads, rivers and water sources that could be affected by construction activities. Therefore, the community must be treated as a partner—not as an audience assembled to hear decisions already made elsewhere.

Tonight’s meeting must provide more than attractive presentations and broad assurances.

Residents deserve clear answers:

Where exactly will the work take place?

When will it begin, and how long will it last?

Which roads, farms, homes and waterways could be affected?

Who is the contractor?

What safeguards will protect the community’s water supply and environment?

What arrangements exist for complaints, damage, compensation and restoration?

Will qualified residents receive genuine employment and business opportunities?

These are not unreasonable questions. They are the questions responsible citizens should ask before heavy equipment begins moving and the dust starts rising.

We must also remember that “consultation” cannot mean simply informing people about what will happen. Genuine consultation means listening, answering questions, recording concerns and making changes where those concerns are reasonable.

The geothermal project may be national in scope, but Saltibus will carry part of its immediate impact. If there are benefits, the community should share in them. If there are risks, those risks must be explained openly and managed properly.

So, Saltibus, attend tonight’s meeting. Listen carefully. Ask questions. Take notes. Do not be afraid to request names, dates, maps and written commitments.

Development is welcome—but development must never arrive in a community as a stranger.

Saltibus deserves progress. It also deserves respect, transparency and a meaningful place at the table.

 

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: KIFFO BRINGS ENCOURAGING NEWS — BUT THE CHILDREN STILL NEED A RIDE!

Choiseul on the Move | October 16, 2026

There is encouraging news on the school transportation issue affecting families in Choiseul/Saltibus. But while we welcome the development, we are keeping our fingers crossed.

For months, Choiseul on the Move has been raising concerns about the financial burden facing parents whose children attend Beanefield Secondary School without access to government-subsidized transportation.

We have spoken about the sacrifices. We have highlighted the inequalities. We have appealed for intervention.

And throughout this discussion, one principle has remained unchanged:

No child should be disadvantaged simply because of the secondary school to which he or she has been assigned.

At Last, Some Encouraging News

This morning, Friday, October 16, Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul/Saltibus, Keithson "Kiffo" Charles, communicated an encouraging development concerning the school transportation situation.

According to the Parliamentary Representative, the Ministry has finally called in the operator of an additional school bus to complete the necessary sign-up arrangements.

He indicated that the operator attended earlier this week and expressed the expectation that the additional service should begin any day now.

Mr. Charles also disclosed his intention to meet with the drivers currently serving the route to discuss how students can be allocated among them to make transportation arrangements more manageable.

This is welcome news.

It suggests that the matter is receiving attention and that steps are being taken towards addressing the concerns of parents.

We acknowledge the Parliamentary Representative's communication and appreciate his willingness to keep us informed.

But There Is a Difference Between an Arrangement and a Solution

Here is where we must exercise some caution.

An operator being called in to sign an agreement is encouraging.

A meeting being proposed with drivers is encouraging.

An additional bus expected to begin operating is certainly encouraging.

But the real measure of progress will come when the affected children are actually being transported to school safely, reliably and affordably.

As the old saying goes:

"A promise is a comfort to a fool."

We use that expression not to question anyone's sincerity, but to remind ourselves that good intentions must eventually produce tangible results.

Parents cannot pay transportation costs with promises.

Children cannot travel to school on assurances.

And families struggling to make ends meet cannot indefinitely survive on the expectation that relief is coming.

The Beanefield Question Must Be Answered

While the announcement is encouraging, one important question remains:

Will this additional transportation arrangement specifically accommodate students travelling from Choiseul/Saltibus to Beanefield Secondary School?

That is the issue we have consistently highlighted.

We would also welcome clarification on the proposed routes, pickup arrangements, the number of students who can be accommodated, and when the additional service is expected to become operational.

These are not unreasonable demands.

They are practical questions that parents deserve to have answered.

A Word to Our Parliamentary Representative

Mr. Charles, we welcome this development and recognize the effort being made.

Your proposed meeting with the drivers could be particularly important in ensuring that students are properly accommodated.

We encourage you to pursue that meeting as soon as possible, establish a workable arrangement and communicate the outcome to affected parents.

The children of Choiseul/Saltibus deserve a transportation system that works for them, regardless of which secondary school they attend.

This is an opportunity to demonstrate that the concerns of ordinary families are being heard and translated into action.

And when that happens, Choiseul on the Move will be among the first to acknowledge it.

We Are Keeping Our Fingers Crossed

We have always maintained that community advocacy should not be about attacking individuals or scoring political points.

It should be about identifying problems, encouraging solutions and recognizing progress when it occurs.

Today, we acknowledge what appears to be a positive step.

Tomorrow, we hope to report that the additional bus is operating, that students attending Beanefield Secondary School are being accommodated, and that parents are finally experiencing some financial relief.

Until then, our position remains one of cautious optimism.

We welcome the news. We appreciate the update. But we await the results.

Because at the end of the day, the success of this initiative will not be measured by the number of meetings held or agreements signed.

It will be measured by the number of children who can finally get to school without their parents having to carry an unbearable transportation burden.

And that, Mr. Representative, is the outcome we are all hoping for.

Choiseul on the Move — Giving our communities a voice, recognizing progress and holding firmly to the principle that no child should be left behind.

CHOISEUL ON THE MOVE · COMMENTARY

Let Them Speak Kwéyòl: The Search for Truth Must Make Room for Our People

A reflection on language, dignity and the Anse Cochon boat tragedy inquiry

By Dedan Jn Baptiste | October 15, 2026

In July, our words were heavy with grief. Here at Choiseul on the Move, we responded to the boat tragedy through articles and songs, trying in our own small way to give expression to a sorrow that had reached far beyond the shoreline. Now, as witnesses give their accounts before a Commission of Inquiry, another responsibility rests before the country: to listen carefully, ask searching questions and make sure that those with something to tell us can express it fully.

That last part has been troubling me.

I watched the first two days of the inquiry. On several occasions, a couple of witnesses appeared to have difficulty with questions put to them. Questions were rephrased, and I acknowledge that effort. Yet, even after the wording changed, I still had the impression that some witnesses were uncomfortable expressing themselves.

In the exchanges I watched, I did not hear a panel member offer to put the question in Kwéyòl.

We are in Saint Lucia. Surely that possibility should come naturally to us.

A serious inquiry needs people to be understood

The public hearings opened on October 13 at the Parliament Building in Castries. The inquiry concerns the July 18 collision involving Ocean Angel and Cazorla Jr. at Anse Cochon. Four people lost their lives. Families and survivors deserve a careful examination of what happened.

Justice Mario Michel chairs the Commission, alongside Cuthbert Didier, Kentry Frederick and Luke Defreitas. Its work includes examining the collision and recommending improvements to maritime legislation, procedures and safety.

That is an important responsibility. Every useful detail matters. But a question can be properly framed and still fail to reach the person being asked. A witness may understand part of it, hesitate over a word, or struggle to find an English expression for something they could explain more easily in Kwéyòl.

Changing the English wording may help. Sometimes, changing the language may help more.

Before we repeat a question, have we asked whether the witness would prefer to hear it—and answer it—in Kwéyòl?

Ask the witness. Do not guess.

Let me be fair. Watching someone hesitate does not tell me why they are hesitating. It could be nerves, the formality of the setting, difficulty recalling events, emotional distress, an unfamiliar expression or uncertainty about what is being asked. I cannot diagnose a language difficulty from my screen.

Neither should anyone assume that a witness prefers Kwéyòl because of where they live, their occupation or how they speak English.

That is precisely why the Commission should ask. A simple invitation at the beginning would remove the guesswork: “Would you be more comfortable giving your evidence in English or Kwéyòl?” Witnesses should also know that they can ask to change languages during their evidence.

A person should not have to struggle publicly before that choice becomes available.

Kwéyòl belongs in the serious business of this country

We are in October, when we proudly celebrate our cultural inheritance. We bring out the madras, prepare our traditional dishes and enjoy the sound of Kwéyòl across the country. But the respect we give our language must reach into the rooms where important decisions are made.

Kwéyòl belongs wherever a Saint Lucian needs it to explain an experience, ask for help or give an account of something that matters.

As a retired teacher, I know the importance of checking whether a question has actually been understood. Repeating it louder, or dressing it in slightly different words, does not always resolve the difficulty. Sometimes you must meet the person through the language in which they can best organise and communicate their thoughts.

The same care has value in a public inquiry. A witness may have a clear memory and still struggle to put it into formal English. We must be careful that fluency does not become a misleading measure of how much someone knows or how seriously we take them.

A respectful appeal to the panel

Among the commissioners is Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas, whom we in Choiseul regard as one of our own. It is encouraging to see someone connected to our community serving in such an important national exercise.

I appeal to him and to the entire panel to consider this concern. The responsibility belongs to the Commission collectively. Could a clear language choice be offered to every witness? Could a competent interpreter be available whenever needed?

Where interpretation is used, the question must retain its meaning, the answer must be accurately conveyed, and any uncertainty must be clarified for the record. A casual translation that changes a question or supplies an answer would serve nobody. Proper arrangements would support both the witness and the integrity of the evidence.

A practical step the Commission can take

Offer English or Kwéyòl at the outset. Allow witnesses to switch when needed. Ask one clear question at a time. Arrange accurate interpretation and a reliable record of the evidence.

The families deserve every effort

This inquiry must be allowed to examine the evidence and reach its findings. My concern here is about how we help that process obtain the fullest, clearest accounts possible.

The families deserve answers. Survivors deserve to be heard with patience. Witnesses deserve an opportunity to explain themselves without avoidable barriers.

As attention turns to the third day, my appeal is simple: if a witness would be more comfortable in Kwéyòl, make room for it. Ask the question in a language the witness understands, and allow the answer in a language the witness can use confidently.

Let them speak Kwéyòl. Then listen carefully to what they have to say.

About this commentary: Observations about witnesses’ apparent discomfort and the absence of a Kwéyòl offer in the exchanges watched are the author’s impressions from viewing the first two days. They do not establish any witness’s preferred language or that the Commission prohibited Kwéyòl.

Sources: Government of Saint Lucia: public sitting notice, commission membership and terms of reference, October 9, 2026; HTS News4orce: opening-day inquiry coverage, October 14, 2026; Saint Lucia Tourism Authority: Creole Heritage Month.