🇱🇨 Baton Relay or Parliament Bench? A Question of Priorities for Choiseul

Choiseul is a proud and patriotic constituency. We show up for national celebrations, community activities, and anything that uplifts Saint Lucia. So when the Independence Baton Relay passed through our communities, many residents welcomed the moment with enthusiasm and pride.

However, a growing concern has emerged that deserves calm, mature, and honest discussion.

Reports indicate that the newly elected representative chose to participate in the Independence Baton Relay in his constituency instead of being present at a sitting of Parliament, where motions and amendments were being debated.

Was that the right priority?

🏛️ What Was Happening in Parliament That Day?

The sitting of the House of Assembly included serious matters such as:

• Changes to VAT interest and penalty arrangements
• Amendments to Income Tax legislation
• Amendments to the Public Procurement Act

These are not ceremonial items. These decisions shape how much people and businesses pay, how government spends public money, and how transparent procurement processes remain.

⚖️ Why Parliamentary Presence Matters

When voters elect a representative, they are not only choosing someone to attend community events. They are choosing someone to:

• Represent their voice in national lawmaking
• Scrutinize legislation
• Debate policies
• Vote on their behalf

Being present in Parliament is not optional decoration—it is the core job.

🎉 Celebrations vs. Responsibilities

Independence activities are meaningful expressions of national pride. Communities appreciate seeing their representatives participating.

But a baton relay can be attended by many leaders.

A Parliamentary seat, however, can only be occupied by one person—the elected representative of Choiseul.

When Parliament is sitting, that seat represents Choiseul’s voice in the country’s highest decision-making body.

📌 A Reasonable Expectation

Choiseul residents are not asking for perfection.

They are asking for balance.

When Parliament is in session and serious matters are on the agenda, the first stop should be the House of Assembly.

After that—yes—come join the relay. Come greet constituents. Come celebrate Independence.

But the laws of Saint Lucia must come first.

🗣️ Final Thoughts

This is not about personalities. It is not about party colors. It is about standards.

If we want stronger governance, better policies, and accountable leadership, then attendance in Parliament must be treated as a sacred duty—not a scheduling option.

Choiseul deserves full representation.
Saint Lucia deserves serious leadership.
Our democracy deserves better than empty benches.

Parliament to Debate VAT Relief and Tax Changes — What It Means for You

The Parliament of Saint Lucia will meet on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, and buried inside the formal language of its press release is news that many businesses and individuals should pay close attention to.

This sitting is not about ceremony or speeches. It is about money, relief, and overdue taxes.

Here is what it really means, in plain language.

💸 Government Proposes Relief for Old VAT Debts

At this sitting, Members of Parliament will vote on two resolutions aimed at people and businesses who still owe Value Added Tax (VAT) from previous years.

1️⃣ No more interest on old VAT

Normally, when VAT is not paid on time, interest is added to the amount owed.

What is being proposed:

• The interest rate will be reduced from 1.25% to 0%
• It applies to VAT debts up to December 31, 2023
• The relief runs from May 2, 2024 to May 1, 2026

In simple terms: If you owe old VAT, government will stop charging interest during this period.

2️⃣ No more VAT penalties

VAT debts also attract a penalty of up to 10%.

What is being proposed:

• The penalty will be reduced from 10% to 0%
• It applies to VAT owed before December 31, 2023

In simple terms: You can clear old VAT without being punished by penalties.

🧾 Why is government doing this?

This move functions as a VAT amnesty window.

Government is essentially saying:

“Pay what you owe — and we will remove the extra burden.”

The aim is to:

• Encourage people to settle long-standing VAT arrears
• Bring overdue revenue back into the system
• Ease pressure on businesses still recovering from difficult economic years

The VAT itself is not being forgiven — but the interest and penalties are being lifted.

📜 Other Bills Before Parliament

Two important bills will also be debated:

• Public Procurement (Amendment) – changes to how government awards contracts and spends public funds
• Income Tax (Amendment) – adjustments to income tax rules (details to follow after debate)

🧠 Why this matters to ordinary Saint Lucians

This sitting signals a shift in approach.

Instead of punishment, government is prioritizing compliance and recovery. It is an acknowledgment that many fell behind not out of choice, but because of sustained economic pressure.

This window offers a chance to reset — without fear.

⚖️ Policy Focus: Relief is helpful, but reform is necessary

While VAT relief provides breathing room, it also raises a deeper policy question:

Should Saint Lucia continue relying on periodic tax amnesties, or is it time for deeper reform?

Sustainable tax policy must:

• Be clearer and easier to comply with
• Support small businesses before they fall behind
• Rely less on penalties and more on early engagement

Relief helps — but long-term fairness and transparency are what prevent arrears in the first place.

For now, one thing is clear: If you owe old VAT, this parliamentary sitting matters.

When the Road Turns Into Mourning: A Choiseul Reflection on St. Lucia’s Rising Road Deaths

In Choiseul, tragedy never stays on the road.

It walks into homes. It settles into villages. It becomes a name we recognise, a face we remember, a family we pass every day and don’t quite know what to say to anymore.

That is why the recent rise in road fatalities across St Lucia feels heavier than usual. It is not just the numbers. It is the closeness. One week, one crash. Another week, another life gone. And before the grief has time to settle, another siren cuts through the night.

So people start searching for meaning. Some say it is “higher science.” Some say the country is paying for something. Others simply shake their heads and whisper, “Something not right on the roads.”

But here on Choiseul on the Move, we believe the truth deserves daylight — not fear, not superstition.

What Is Really Driving the Death Toll?

There is no single cause and no mystery force. What we are witnessing is a dangerous mix of behaviour, habit, and weak deterrence — all colliding at the same time.

1. Speed has quietly become normal

Speeding no longer shocks us. It has slipped into routine. Drivers overtake on bends, rush through villages, and push vehicles beyond what our narrow, winding roads were ever designed to handle.

But speed does one unforgiving thing: it removes second chances. A mistake at low speed might damage metal. The same mistake at high speed ends a life.

2. Distraction is killing without noise

Phones are now part of the driving culture. A quick message. A glance at social media. A voice note sent while rolling. But the road does not pause while attention drifts.

Two seconds of distraction is all it takes. And two seconds arrive faster than most drivers realise.

3. Dangerous overtaking has become habit

On many southern roads, impatience shows itself in risky overtakes where visibility is poor and margins are thin. It is a gamble that assumes the other driver will slow down or move over. Sometimes they cannot.

That is when metal meets metal — and families receive news that changes their lives forever.

4. Motorcyclists and pedestrians remain most exposed

Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists face the greatest danger because they have the least protection. A helmet not worn. Reflective gear ignored. Night riding without visibility.

When speed meets vulnerability, the human body almost always loses.

5. Why it feels sudden

When fatal crashes happen close together, the nation feels it all at once. Grief clusters. Fear spreads. But these incidents are not random. They are warnings repeating themselves.

What This Means for Choiseul

Choiseul is not immune. Our roads cut through communites, schools, playing fields, churches, and family spaces. A speeding vehicle here is not just passing through — it is passing people.

Every driver in Choiseul knows someone affected by a road tragedy. That alone should make us pause.

• Drive through villages like someone you love lives there — because they do.
• Put the phone down. No message is worth a life.
• If you are late, arrive late.
• Seatbelts and helmets are not for police presence — they are for survival.

But personal responsibility, while critical, is only one part of the solution.

This Is Where Leadership Is Tested

Moments like this separate concern from courage. Saint Lucia does not lack speeches after tragedy — it lacks follow-through.

If road deaths continue at this pace, it will not be because the causes were unknown. We already know them: speed, distraction, reckless overtaking, weak deterrents, and repeat offenders who remain behind the wheel.

What is missing is decisive policy action — applied consistently, without fear or favour.

Choiseul on the Move is therefore calling for clear and immediate leadership on road safety:

• Make excessive speeding a licence-losing offence, not a fine drivers pay and repeat.
• Implement a firm points-based suspension system that removes chronic offenders from the road quickly.
• Adopt zero tolerance for phone use while driving, enforced through visible policing and meaningful penalties.
• Strengthen motorcycle regulation with mandatory helmet compliance, visibility standards, and targeted night enforcement.
• Fix known danger zones with proper lighting, signage, markings, and road engineering — especially in village corridors.
• Publish monthly crash and fatality data so the public can see patterns and hold decision-makers accountable.

This is not about punishment for punishment’s sake. It is about prevention. It is about making dangerous driving uncomfortable, inconvenient, and costly — before another family pays the ultimate price.

Every road death now comes with a policy question attached: could this have been prevented?

If the answer is yes — and too often it is — then responsibility no longer lies only with the driver. It lies with the system that allowed the behaviour to continue.

Saint Lucia does not need superstition. It needs resolve.

Choiseul on the Move will continue to ask these questions — not after funerals, but before the next siren sounds.

🇱🇨 When the Baton Passes Through History: Choiseul/Saltibus Hosts the Independence Baton Relay — Tuesday, Feb 3

Victoria to Piaye • Schools on the route • A 95-year-old Roblot legend steps forward • LIVE coverage on Dedan Kool Vybz Radio

On Tuesday, February 3, the spirit of national pride will roll through our district as the St. Lucia Independence Baton Relay makes its way through. And this year, it won’t be “just another relay.” It will be a moment of unity, heritage, and community power.

Sources informed Choiseul on the Move that the relay will commence in Victoria (near Myron’s place) and will conclude in Piaye.

  A Brief History of the Independence Baton Relay

The Independence Baton Relay is one of the most meaningful traditions in the build-up to this year’s Independence celebrations. Over the years, the relay has served as a moving symbol of:

• National unity — linking communities and districts in one shared journey
• Generational continuity — the baton representing responsibility passed forward
• Community pride — each district adding its own flavour to the Independence story

In simple terms: the relay reminds us that Independence isn’t something we watch. It’s something we carry.

   A Roblot Moment That Will Make History

One of the most inspiring confirmations reaching our blog is that 95-year-old Marie Emmanuel of Roblot will participate in this year’s relay. At 95, her presence is more than symbolic — it is historic.

We are also reliably informed that the current school Principal of the same community will take part as well — a powerful pairing of legacy and leadership, reminding us that Independence is both memory and momentum.

Roblot will not just witness the relay — Roblot will be part of the relay.

  Schools Will Line the Route

Schools across the district are expected to line the relay path to cheer on the athletes, wave flags, and create the kind of roadside atmosphere that makes Independence feel real.

For students, this becomes a moving classroom — where the lesson isn’t only in books, but in the living example of community pride, discipline, teamwork, and love of country.

📍 Route Snapshot

• Start: Victoria (near Myron’s place)
• Finish: Piaye
• Along the way: schools cheering, communities representing, and the district standing tall

As the baton moves, it carries more than speed — it carries the spirit of the people. And on Tuesday, that spirit belongs to Choiseul/Saltibus.

   LIVE Coverage: Choiseul Goes Global

The Choiseul/Saltibus leg will be carried LIVE on https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZyDJttwLJ/ 

and streamed simultaneously on the station’s web page.

Official stream link: https://a6.asurahosting.com/public/dedan_kool_vybz

Whether you’re on island or overseas, you’ll be able to experience the energy in real time — the cheers, the pride, the voices, and the historic moments that make community news priceless.

Choiseul on the Move will continue to share updates as the Independence season unfolds.

Tuesday, Feb 3 — Victoria to Piaye. Come out. Cheer loud. And let the baton feel the love. 🇱🇨

🏏 Let’s Meet the Teams — Choiseul Blast 2026 Is Ready to Light Up the Night!

Choiseul cricket is officially back in full force — and this time, it’s coming under the lights with fast, fun, and affordable T10 Tape Ball Cricket.

Hosted by the Choiseul Cricket Association, the Choiseul Blast is all about bringing cricket back to the people:
more players, more fans, more community vibes, and more excitement on match nights.

With 10 teams from across the district and beyond, this tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and entertaining sporting events Choiseul has seen in years.

So… let’s meet the teams! 👇

🔵 DOTCOM

A squad packed with energy and confidence, Dotcom is coming into the tournament with speed, flair, and plenty hunger for runs. Expect aggressive batting and sharp fielding from this outfit.

🟢 MISFITS

Don’t let the name fool you — this is a serious cricketing unit.
Strong experience mixed with raw talent makes the Misfits one of the most dangerous teams on any given night. They thrive under pressure and love big moments.

🟡 MORNE SION CLAYPOTS

Community pride runs deep with this team. The Claypots are known for discipline, teamwork, and gritty performances. They may not always be flashy — but they are always competitive.

🟠 LA POINTE

La Pointe brings athleticism and pace to the tournament.
With quick bowlers and fearless hitters, this team can change a game in just a few overs. Definitely one to watch once the lights come on.

🔴 DEROLE

Derole enters Choiseul Blast with strong "The Forgotten Communities" backing and plenty confidence. Expect powerful stroke play and players who are not afraid to take risks when the game is on the line.

🔵 PLATINUM PACERS

A well-balanced squad built around speed and experience.
The Pacers are expected to dominate the bowling department while applying constant pressure in the field. Consistency could be their biggest weapon.

🟣 NORTHERN STARS

This team brings youthful energy and big ambition.
With players eager to make a name for themselves, the Northern Stars could easily become fan favorites as the tournament heats up.

🔴 SALTIBUS

Saltibus never comes quietly into any competition — and Choiseul Blast will be no different.
Strong physical presence, passionate supporters, and fearless cricket are all part of their DNA.

⚫ LONDONDERRY

One of the most experienced-looking squads in the tournament.
Londonderry brings tactical cricket, steady batting, and calm decision-making — perfect ingredients for late-tournament success.

🟡 BALCA

Balca comes into the competition with serious intent.
Power hitters, athletic fielders, and players who know how to finish matches make this team a genuine title contender from day one.

🌙 More Than Cricket — It’s Community Under the Lights

What makes Choiseul Blast special isn’t just the competition — it’s the night cricket atmosphere, the crowd energy, the music, the food, and the feeling of the entire community coming out to support their teams.

Tape ball cricket makes the game:

• Safer

• Faster

• More accessible

• And perfect for exciting night matches

This is exactly the kind of format that gets young players involved and fans fully engaged.

📅 Fixtures & Match Nights — Coming Up Next!

Fixtures and match schedules are being released through:

👉 Instagram: @pulsesport758
👉 Facebook: Pulse Sports
👉 Facebook: Choiseul Cricket Association

Make sure you follow for:

• Match dates

• Kick-off times

• Results

• Highlights

And of course, Choiseul on the Move will continue bringing you the community angle, team stories, and tournament buzz.

  Finally

Ten teams. One trophy. And a whole district ready for cricket under the lights.

Choiseul Blast isn’t just a tournament — it’s a statement that cricket in Choiseul is alive, growing, and exciting again.

Bring your team colors. Bring your energy.
And come be part of the Blast. 💥🏏

🏏 Choiseul Blast Lights Up the Night: A New Era of Cricket for the Community

Cricket in Choiseul is getting a fresh heartbeat — and it’s coming under the lights.

Enter Choiseul Blast, a brand-new night cricket tournament hosted by the Choiseul Cricket Association, designed to bring the sport closer to the people, safer for players, and more exciting for fans.

This is not just another competition. It is part of a wider effort to revitalize cricket in Choiseul, increase participation, and rebuild that strong community spirit that once packed village grounds across the district.

🎯 Why Tape Ball Cricket?

According to tournament organizers, Choiseul Blast is built around tape ball cricket, a format that is:

✅ Safer – reducing injury risks compared to hard-ball cricket

✅ More affordable – no expensive gear required

✅ More accessible – encouraging youths, casual players, and former cricketers to return

✅ Faster-paced and exciting – perfect for night matches and spectators

The goal is simple:

👉 Get more people playing. Get more people watching. Keep cricket alive and growing in Choiseul.

🌙 Why Night Cricket?

Another exciting feature of Choiseul Blast is that matches are being played at night, and that’s no accident.

Night games allow:

Working adults to attend and participate

Families to come out and support

A stronger fan atmosphere

More visibility for the sport in the community

It’s cricket, but with a festival feel — lights, energy, music, and village pride on full display.

🏆 Hosted by the Choiseul Cricket Association

The tournament is officially hosted by the Choiseul Cricket Association, signaling that this is not just entertainment, but a structured effort to:

Develop local talent

Rebuild club culture

Strengthen grassroots cricket programs

Create a pathway for young players to move into higher levels of competition

Choiseul has always produced strong cricketers, and Choiseul Blast is helping to reignite that tradition.

👥 How Many Teams Are Competing?

This year’s Choiseul Blast will feature:

🔥 10 participating teams

✅ 5 teams already announced

⏳ 5 more to be released shortly

This phased release is helping to build anticipation and keep fans locked in as the tournament approaches.

Once all teams are confirmed, fixtures and matchups will add another layer of excitement as rivalries begin to take shape.

📲 Where to Get Teams, Fixtures & Updates

For official team announcements, fixtures, and match-day updates, fans are encouraged to follow:

👉 Instagram: @pulsesport758

👉 Facebook: Pulse Sports

👉 Facebook: Choiseul Cricket Association

These pages will carry:

Team lists

Match schedules

Results

Highlights and updates

So if you don’t want to miss a ball, that’s where you need to be.

🤔 Is There Any Connection Between “Smash” and “Blast”?

Many residents have been asking whether Choiseul Blast is connected to other tournaments like “Smash.”

While both may use similar fast-paced formats and night cricket concepts, Choiseul Blast is specifically hosted by the Choiseul Cricket Association and is focused on:

Community development

Reviving district-level cricket

Expanding participation at the grassroots level

It stands as its own tournament, with its own identity and local mission — built by Choiseul, for Choiseul.

❤️ More Than a Tournament — It’s a Movement

Choiseul Blast represents more than runs and wickets. It represents:

Youth engagement

Community entertainment

Sporting revival

District pride

From players dusting off their bats to fans filling the sidelines, this tournament is about bringing people together around a sport that has always been part of our culture.

And with night games, tape ball action, and strong local organization, Choiseul Blast could very well become a fixture on Choiseul’s annual sports calendar.

Choiseul on the Move

Speech Analysis & Critique: Labour Rally Address in Choiseul–Saltibus

Context Note: The speech discussed in this post was delivered by Keithson “Kiffo” Charles, the newly elected Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul–Saltibus.

The recent Labour rally speech in Choiseul–Saltibus did what political rally speeches are built to do: energize the crowd, summon history, reinforce party loyalty, and frame the moment as a proud “homecoming.” The delivery was confident, and the tone was designed to lift spirits and signal momentum.

What the speech did well

• Strong Choiseul pride: The emphasis on Choiseul’s identity—craft, produce, and leadership—lands well with residents.
• Historical grounding: The nod to franchise restrictions and the 1951 turning point reminded listeners that Labour politics is rooted in worker struggle and democratic expansion.
• Community self-help references: The Credit Union mention was one of the most meaningful parts—because it highlights real community-building, not just speeches.

Now the hard truth: where it fell short

Choiseul–Saltibus is not short on pride. Choiseul is short on practical progress in several areas. And that’s where the speech left too much on the table.

The message leaned heavily into national achievements and party unity—but the constituency needed more direct confrontation of local realities. When people listen to a newly elected representative, they are not only listening for inspiration; they are listening for plans, timelines, and deliverables.

What Choiseul–Saltibus needed to hear (but didn’t)

This is where residents quietly start asking: “Okay… and what about us?” Choiseul–Saltibus has urgent concerns that require more than rally lines:

• Road conditions and road safety in multiple communities
• Employment pathways for youth beyond “small business only” solutions
• Support for farmers: water access, inputs, markets, and climate resilience
• Housing insecurity and support for elderly/at-risk families
• Community development projects with clear schedules and public reporting

A rally is a rally, yes—but a newly elected MP speaking at home needs at least a few concrete commitments. Even three clear pledges, with timeframes, would have turned this from a strong speech into a strong roadmap.

The “Moses” messaging: risky politics

The speech praised the Prime Minister in almost sacred terms. Praise is normal in party politics, but excessive “hero language” can backfire—especially in a constituency that wants accountability.

Democracy works best when leaders are respected and questioned. Choiseul is not looking for idols; Choiseul is looking for outcomes.

Bottom line

Keithson “Kiffo” Charles delivered a speech that was emotionally strong, historically rich, and politically on-message. But the next phase of leadership cannot remain in speech-mode.

Choiseul–Saltibus has placed trust in its new representative. That trust now comes with expectation: projects, policy focus, consistent presence, and measurable results.

And as always, Choiseul on the Move will continue to watch, question, and report—no party worship, no blind loyalty—just a steady focus on what improves life for the people of this constituency.

Choiseul–Saltibus deserves more than vibes. We deserve results.

Choiseul on the Move — Independent community commentary from Choiseul/Saltibus.