New Parliament. New Speaker: Why the Reset Must Begin at the Chair

As Saint Lucia prepares to usher in a new Parliament, the nation stands at an important democratic crossroads. Elections are not just about changing faces in the House. They are about renewing confidence in the institutions that govern us. And at the very centre of that renewal must be the office of the Speaker of the House.

The Speaker is not a ceremonial figure. The Speaker is the referee of our democracy — the guardian of order, fairness, and balance between Government and Opposition. When Parliament is sworn in, the country deserves a Speaker who reflects the spirit of a fresh mandate.

Why the Record of the Last Parliament Matters

Over the last parliamentary term, many Saint Lucians followed the proceedings closely. What stood out repeatedly was controversy surrounding:

• Perceived one-sided rulings;
• Frequent objections and walkouts;
• Discipline that appeared unevenly applied;
• Growing public distrust in the neutrality of the Chair.

Whether every ruling was technically correct is not the only issue. In public office, perception is reality. When faith in the impartiality of the Speaker is weakened, the legitimacy of the entire Parliament is affected.

Why Fairness Is Even More Critical Now

The political numbers emerging from the elections paint a sharp imbalance — overwhelming strength on one side and a very small minority on the other. That reality makes the role of the Speaker more important than ever.

When one side holds over 90% of the seats and the other barely 6%, the Speaker must become the bridge — the institution that assures the minority its voice still matters. Without that confidence, Parliament risks sliding into raw majoritarian rule rather than balanced democracy.

Why a New Speaker Is Necessary

A new Parliament should not inherit old controversies. It should begin with a clean slate. A new Speaker would:

• Restore confidence in neutrality;
• Send a signal of national unity and fairness;
• Reassure the minority that their constitutional role is protected;
• Set a new tone of respect and discipline in the House;
• Strengthen public trust in the parliamentary process.

This is not about personalities or punishment. It is about institutional credibility. Democracy is not secured by numbers alone — it is secured by fairness, restraint, and respect for opposing voices.

The Message Going Forward

A new Parliament deserves new leadership at the Chair. The Speaker must rise above political history, party loyalty, and personal allegiance. The office must belong to the people — not to any political side.

Saint Lucia now stands before a powerful opportunity to reset the tone of governance for the next five years. Beginning with a new Speaker would send a clear message:

Fairness will preside. Balance will be protected. Democracy will be respected.

New Parliament. New Speaker.

Kudos Where It’s Due: How Choiseul on the Move Helped Shape the Kiffo Victory

History will show that Choiseul/Saltibus didn’t just drift into a Kiffo victory — a few people stuck their necks out early and said, “If Labour is serious about winning this seat, Keithson ‘Kiffo’ Charles is the man.”

Last night, with the preliminary numbers declaring him the winner for Choiseul/Saltibus on behalf of the Saint Lucia Labour Party, that conviction has aged very, very well.

This post is about giving flowers where they’re due — to Dedan for the pressure he applied through Choiseul on the Move, and to Rayneau Gajadhar for trusting that judgement when it counted.

When Choiseul on the Move Broke from the Crowd

Back when the SLP’s Choiseul/Saltibus candidacy was still in limbo, many names floated around — Darrion, Pauline, Mervin and Kiffo. But while others debated quietly, Choiseul on the Move took a bold stance.

The blog openly questioned the suitability of certain hopefuls, highlighting the risks of candidates who might divide the base or struggle to build trust. With calm but confident analysis, the blog pointed consistently toward one conclusion:

“If Labour wants a real fight in Choiseul, don’t gamble. Choose the one who can match Bradley’s ground game — and still unify the constituency.”

That “one” was Keithson “Kiffo” Charles.

Pressure, Polling Divisions and Roblot Reality Checks

Another message echoed repeatedly across the blog: Roblot matters. A lot.

For months, Choiseul on the Move reminded party strategists that ignoring Roblot — a historically decisive polling division — could be the difference between winning and losing the seat.

By pairing this with strong warnings about risky candidate experiments, the blog shaped a clear thesis:

Labour needed a grounded candidate with deep roots, community respect, and the ability to connect across Delcer, Roblot, La Fargue, Mongouge, and more.

Dedan pushed that message boldly and consistently. And he didn’t do it for likes — he did it because he reads the constituency like a local map in his head.

From Prediction to Reality: Bradley vs. Kiffo

Once the SLP officially selected Keithson “Kiffo” Charles, the blog sharpened its analysis further. It described the race as an “election night nail-biter” — a true down-to-the-wire contest.

The contrast was clear:

• Bradley: recognised, experienced, with tangible constituency projects.
• Kiffo: fresh, calm, respected, and deeply rooted in the soil of Choiseul.

Many doubted it at first. But the blog insisted that a strong, clean, community-centred candidate like Kiffo could shake up the constituency.

Last night, the numbers have proven exactly that.

Rayneau Gajadhar: Trusting the Numbers and the Ground Talk

While political operatives calculated “safe options,” Rayneau Gajadhar was doing something more valuable — listening.

When Dedan shared his early conviction that Kiffo was the right man for Choiseul, Rayneau paid attention. He respected independent analysis and ground truth, not just party chatter. And he supported the judgement that the constituency needed a steady, credible leader.

Last night’s result doesn’t only vindicate Kiffo.
It vindicates a way of thinking:

Listen to the ground. Listen to the people. Trust the voices who have nothing to gain from lying to you.

Giving Flowers Where They’re Due

To Dedan

For using Choiseul on the Move to:
• Ask the hard questions early
• Challenge risky candidate choices
• Highlight the importance of Roblot and the swing boxes
• Push relentlessly for the candidate with the best chance of success

You called it early — and you stood by it.

To Keithson “Kiffo” Charles

For running a respectful, disciplined, people-centred campaign grounded in village values.

Tonight, you delivered.

To Rayneau Gajadhar

For trusting solid judgement and recognising the value of independent analysis.

You saw what many only believed after the numbers arrived.

To the people of Choiseul/Saltibus

For proving that issues-based campaigning still works, and that community voices can reshape political history.

What Comes Next

Now that the celebrations settle, the work begins.

• Praise when it’s earned
• Pressure when it’s needed
• And a reminder that no leader “owns” a seat — leadership is rented from the people, and the rent is paid in service

Choiseul/Saltibus has spoken.
A new chapter begins.

SLP Surges Toward a Commanding Victory — A Salute to Choiseul/Saltibus for a Well-Fought Campaign

Tonight, at 9:30 p.m., the electoral winds are blowing in one clear direction across Saint Lucia. With 10 of the 17 seats already secured, the Saint Lucia Labour Party stands firmly on the path to forming the next government. The United Workers Party holds 1 seat, that of the Leader of the Opposition, while projections suggest that Labour is poised to clinch the remaining battleground constituencies in the hours ahead.

Amid this island-wide red wave, we pause to acknowledge the tremendous journey of the Choiseul/Saltibus campaign—a campaign that was spirited, engaging, and grounded in genuine connection with the people.

A Campaign That Reached Every Corner of Our Constituency

From the valleys of Mongouge to the hilltops of La Fargue, from the coastal stretch of Piaye to the communities of Delcer, the Choiseul/Saltibus team walked, listened, and shared ideas with residents from every walk of life. Every handshake, every roadside chat, every evening meeting added to a movement built not on noise, but on sincerity.

Even though the electoral tide tonight leans heavily in favour of the SLP, the work done here in Choiseul/Saltibus deserves respect. The candidate fought a disciplined and determined campaign—one that sparked discussions, inspired participation, and reminded many of what community-centered politics should look like.

Democracy Wins When Campaigns Are Fought With Heart

Elections come and go, but the relationships built along the way remain. In Choiseul/Saltibus, supporters on both sides engaged in passionate debate, kept their communities energized, and demonstrated the healthy democratic spirit that keeps our country alive.

Regardless of tonight’s outcome, this constituency proved that:

• Respectful campaigning still matters
• Grassroots engagement still works
• Courage and commitment still count

And for that, the Choiseul/Saltibus candidate deserves our admiration and congratulations.

The Road Ahead

As the SLP prepares to form the next government with what appears to be a resounding mandate, Choiseul/Saltibus now turns its focus to uniting after a long and emotional campaign. The issues that matter—roads, jobs, safety, youth development, healthcare, small business support—remain our priority, regardless of colour.

Tonight, we acknowledge the political momentum sweeping the country.
But we also shine a light on the proud effort put forward right here at home.

Congratulations to the Choiseul/Saltibus candidate on a well-fought and respectable campaign. The people have spoken—and democracy has once again shown its strength.

DECISION DAY IN CHOISEUL/SALTIBUS: LET YOUR VOICE SPEAK LOUDER THAN THE NOISE

Today, Choiseul/Saltibus rises to meet one of the most defining moments in our modern political history. After months of motorcades, speeches, promises, allegations, noise, colour, passion, and tension — the moment has finally arrived when none of that matters anymore.

55The power now returns to the people.

From Delcer to Piaye, Mongouge to La Fargue, Reunion to Industry, every voter will help shape the direction of this constituency for the next five years.

1. Vote With Your Head, Not Your Emotions

Campaign heat was real. The tribalism was loud. But when you enter that booth this morning, the only thing that matters is your conscience.

Ask yourself:

• Who is better prepared to lead?
• Who has a record you can examine — before or during politics?
• Who has shown respect for people, responsibility, and the office they seek?
• Who can represent Choiseul/Saltibus with maturity, calm, and credibility nationally?

This election is too important for vibes voting.

2. Look at What You Know — Not What You Were Told

Forget the memes, the WhatsApp forwards, and the shouting on Facebook.

Look at:

• Projects started
• Development secured
• Consistency
• Temperament
• Community presence
• Delivery, not drama

And yes — if a candidate is new, their track record BEFORE politics matters too.
Professional life, leadership qualities, work ethic, and integrity are all indicators of how they’ll perform in office.

3. Don’t Let Last-Minute Distractions Influence You

Elections come with:

• Rumours
• Convenient “breaking news”
• Manufactured chaos
• Fake outrage
• Emotional traps

Choiseul on the Move encourages you to stay steady and grounded.
Ignore the noise. Focus on the facts.

4. Respect the Process — It Belongs to All of Us

Whatever your colour, symbol, or candidate:

• Follow the rules at the polling station
• Don’t intimidate or pressure anyone
• Help elderly voters
• Respect election officers
• Stay patient with the lines
• Keep the peace

Democracy works best when we behave better than the politics.

5. The Power of Choiseul/Saltibus Is in YOUR Hands

Every vote counts.
Every village counts.
Every voice counts.

This constituency has surprised the nation before — and may very well do it again.

Win or lose, one thing remains true:

Choiseul/Saltibus deserves leadership that lifts every home, inspires every child, and protects every future.

Let’s show Saint Lucia what responsible democracy looks like.

A Final Word

Whatever the results tonight, this platform will continue to inform, analyse, question, and hold everyone accountable.

We report honestly.
We call out nonsense.
And we celebrate progress.

Today is not about red or yellow.
Today is about Choiseul/Saltibus.

Go out and VOTE.
Vote wisely.
Vote boldly.
Vote with clarity.

DECEMBER 1st — LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK.

Election Night Nail-Biter: Why Choiseul/Saltibus is Headed for a Photo Finish

On December 1, 2025, all eyes won’t only be on Castries or the big city seats. Quietly but decisively, Choiseul/Saltibus is shaping up to be one of the real nail-biters of this general election. Everything on the ground suggests one thing: this seat is heading for a photo finish.

The days when any seat in Saint Lucia could be called “safe” are gone. Voters are more independent, more informed, and far more willing to punish parties and candidates who take them for granted. Choiseul/Saltibus, with its mix of traditional strongholds and genuine swing areas, is a perfect example of that new political reality.

From Comfortable Lead to Knife-Edge Contest

In the last general election, the margin in Choiseul/Saltibus was not a landslide. It was close enough that a few dozen votes in a handful of polling divisions could have changed the result. That is exactly what makes 2025 so tense. Both the United Workers Party (UWP) and the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) know that this is a seat where every single vote matters.

This time around, the race pits an experienced incumbent against a new but energetic challenger. One offers a record, the other offers a fresh start. Both have roots in the community and both are working overtime to persuade the undecided voter who may only make up their mind in the last week – or even on election day itself.

Incumbent vs. Challenger: Two Different Stories

On one side is the sitting MP, well known across the constituency, with years of visibility, constituency projects and a clear presence in the national political conversation. Supporters point to his accessibility, his experience, and his ability to “get things done” for Choiseul/Saltibus.

On the other side is the challenger, a first-time candidate who is far from a stranger in the community. He carries the energy of someone with something to prove and has been busy walking lanes, visiting homes, listening, and promising a different style of representation. For many younger voters and those who feel left out of past decision-making, that message is attractive.

Micro-Battles in the Polling Divisions

Choiseul/Saltibus is not one political mood. It is a patchwork of communities and polling divisions, each with its own story:

• Traditional strongholds that usually line up behind one party and provide a base of reliable votes.
• Emerging Labour pockets where the SLP has been gaining ground steadily over the last few cycles.
• Real swing boxes where a shift of 10 to 20 votes can flip the outcome for the entire constituency.

It is in these swing boxes that the real drama lies. Turnout, last-minute persuasion, and even the mood on talk shows and social media in the final days can tip the balance. A handful of families changing their minds, or a group of youth deciding to vote for the first time, could decide who becomes the next MP.

The Issues Turning Up the Heat

Voters in Choiseul/Saltibus are not only talking about red and yellow. They are talking about very real, very personal issues that affect daily life:

• St Jude Hospital and health care – frustration with delay, blame across administrations, and a call for honesty and results.
• Roads and basic infrastructure – from Delcer to Mongouge and La Fargue, people want to know who really fought for better roads and safer access.
• Jobs and cost of living – rising prices, limited job options and the struggle to make ends meet are front and centre in many conversations.
• Respectful politics – many residents are tired of name-calling, insults and fake news. They want mature leadership that can disagree without destroying the community spirit.

Why This Looks Like a True Photo Finish

Put it all together and the picture is clear: Choiseul/Saltibus is heading for a tight result. We have:

• A constituency with a history of close margins.
• An incumbent with strong name recognition but also serious questions to answer.
• A challenger with energy, local roots and the backing of a motivated national campaign.
• Polling divisions where a small shift in votes will decide the winner.

This is why, on election night, Choiseul/Saltibus is likely to be one of the last seats that analysts will confidently call. Expect phrases like “too close to call”, “neck and neck” and “we have to wait for the final box”.

A Final Word to Voters

However you intend to vote on December 1, 2025, remember this: your “X” is part of a much bigger story. Choiseul/Saltibus will not just be electing an MP; it will be sending a message about the kind of politics we want going forward.

Before you put pen to paper:

• Look carefully at each candidate’s behaviour, not just their promises.
• Think about who has shown respect, consistency and genuine care for people on the ground.
• Vote, not out of fear or anger, but with a clear mind and a long-term vision.

When the last box is counted at the Choiseul Police Station and the final figures are read out, the result may be close, but the message can be loud and clear: Choiseul/Saltibus believes in strong views, fair play, and peaceful, mature democracy.

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✅ 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.

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