🔥 Is Choiseul Still Labour Country? Not If Pauline or Mervin Runs!

As Saint Lucia approaches its constitutionally due general elections in 2026, the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency is poised for a significant political contest. The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) is considering two potential candidates: Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere and Mervin Ermay. Both aim to challenge the incumbent, Bradley Felix of the United Workers Party (UWP), who has held the seat since 2016

🧑‍⚕️ Pauline Antoine-Prospere: The Educator Turned Politician

Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere, an educator by profession, was the SLP's candidate in the 2021 general elections. She secured 46.3% of the vote but was defeated by Felix, who garnered 53.5% . Her candidacy was marked by internal party disputes, notably with Dr. Alphonsus St. Rose, who had significant grassroots support. Despite a petition with 700 signatures favoring St. Rose, the SLP endorsed Antoine-Prospere, leading to tensions within the party 

Critics argue that Antoine-Prospere's leadership style contributed to her electoral loss, citing poor rapport with team members and concerns over her management of community projects. Her support base has reportedly diminished since 2021, raising questions about her viability as a candidate in the upcoming elections.

🧑‍💼 Mervin Ermay: The Controversial Contender

Mervin Ermay, another potential SLP candidate, is not without controversy. He is accused of supporting Dr. St. Rose during the 2021 internal party conflict, which some believe undermined Antoine-Prospere's campaign. Ermay has yet to establish a strong personal base within the constituency, and areas like the Mongouge polling division, once considered SLP strongholds, have shown waning support.

🧑‍💼 Bradley Felix: The Incumbent's Stronghold

Bradley Felix has been the Member of Parliament for Choiseul/Saltibus since 2016. Despite the SLP's landslide victory in 2021, Felix retained his seat, making him one of only two UWP members to do so . His continued presence in the constituency, including involvement in community initiatives like road repairs , has bolstered his reputation among constituents.

🔮 The Road Ahead: SLP's Strategic Decisions

Given the internal challenges and the strength of the incumbent, the SLP faces a critical decision in selecting a candidate capable of uniting the party and appealing to the electorate. Some suggest that a new figure, initials "KC," who possesses charisma and a solid base to start with, could be the party's best hope against Felix.

In conclusion, unless the SLP addresses its internal divisions and presents a candidate who can galvanize support across the constituency, Bradley Felix appears well-positioned to retain his seat in the upcoming elections.

Eulogy for Dr. Kenny D. Anthony: A Legacy of Service, Vision, and Integrity

Today, we honor Dr. Kenny Davis Anthony, a titan of Saint Lucian politics, whose departure from public life marks the end of an era defined by transformative leadership, intellectual rigor, and unwavering dedication to his nation. Over three decades, Dr. Anthony’s contributions reshaped Saint Lucia’s social, economic, and political landscape, leaving an indelible imprint on the Caribbean region.  

A Statesman’s Journey 

Born in Laborie in 1951, Dr. Anthony rose from humble beginnings to become one of Saint Lucia’s most revered leaders. A scholar with two first-class honors degrees and a PhD—earned without an oral examination, a testament to his academic brilliance—he merged intellectual prowess with grassroots empathy . His political career began in education and culture, later expanding to roles as Minister of Education, Prime Minister (1997–2006, 2011–2016), and Leader of the Opposition .  

Architect of Progress 

Dr. Anthony’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by bold reforms and inclusive policies:  

1. Economic Revitalization: Under his leadership, Saint Lucia saw record GDP growth, peaking at 5.4% in 2005, driven by investments in tourism, manufacturing, and infrastructure like the Beausejour Cricket Ground and National Stadium, which positioned the island as a hub for sports tourism .  

2. Social Equity: He championed universal secondary education, free healthcare for chronic illnesses, and the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF), lifting countless citizens from deprivation. His PROUD land ownership initiative empowered communities like Cantonement and Bruceville, a cause he passionately urged successors to continue .  

3. Regional Influence: A stalwart of Caribbean integration, he critiqued CARICOM’s challenges while advocating for collective resilience, emphasizing that regional unity must evolve to meet modern demands . 

A Leader of Principle  

Dr. Anthony’s legacy transcends policy. He embodied civility in politics, fostering friendships even with former opponents and rejecting divisiveness. “Representation is not just about monuments… It’s about compassion, mercy, and respect,” he declared, urging constituents to evaluate leaders by their character, not rhetoric . His decision to step aside from the Cabinet in 2021, allowing Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to govern “freely and unhindered,” exemplified his commitment to nurturing new leadership .  

The Man Behind the Title

In his final address, Dr. Anthony eschewed requests for monuments, asking instead to be remembered as “a good and decent human being” guided by love, humility, and integrity . His reflection on 28 years representing Vieux Fort South revealed a leader deeply connected to his people—one who found solace in their loyalty even during political setbacks .  

A Legacy Eternal

As Dr. Anthony retires, his words resonate: “There is honor in politics.” His career disproved cynicism, proving that principled leadership can uplift nations. From deregulating telecommunications to advocating for regional stability, his work laid foundations for a brighter future.  

Final Farewell  

To Dr. Kenny Anthony: Scholar, visionary, servant—your legacy is etched in the roads built, the lands returned, the classrooms filled, and the hearts you touched. May your retirement be as dignified as your service, and may Saint Lucia forever strive to honor your example.  

“If you can fill the unforgiving minute / With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run…” . You did, Sir. Yours is the Earth, and everything in it.  

Inspired by his own words and deeds, we bid farewell to a true Caribbean luminary.

Preserving Heritage While Pursuing Progress: In Support of Laura Jn Pierre-Noel's Vision

Laura Jn Pierre-Noel’s stirring appeal on her facebook page for thoughtful development in Castries couldn’t come at a more critical time. Her message—rooted in reason, love for community, and a deep understanding of our cultural DNA—deserves not only applause, but action.

Saint Lucians everywhere, particularly in historic districts like Laborie and Castries, are right to question the cost of progress when it threatens to bulldoze the very soul of our identity. Laura’s call for a balanced approach to justice—one that honors our past while planning for our future—is both timely and necessary. She reminds us that heritage is not a roadblock to development, but rather the compass by which we should steer it.

The Halls of Justice is a noble concept, but if its foundation is laid on the grave of our cultural landmarks—without proper consultation, impact assessment, or genuine community input—then it is justice built on injustice. We echo Laura’s call for transparency and civic engagement. It is not enough for development to be efficient; it must be meaningful, inclusive, and respectful.

Castries is not just a place—it is a narrative. From the steps of the Minor Basilica to the benches of Derek Walcott Square, every stone and tree carries a memory, a legacy, and a lesson. We must not allow ill-placed concrete to silence our history. We must demand that alternative sites be carefully considered, that every voice be heard, and that heritage impact assessments become standard, not optional.

Laura Jn Pierre-Noel stands not just as a candidate, but as a guardian of Saint Lucian identity. Her advocacy is a reminder that leadership means standing firm for the people, for their stories, and for the sacred spaces that shaped them. As the UWP candidate for Laborie, she has shown that she’s not afraid to speak truth to power or fight for justice that uplifts—not erases—our heritage.

In this election and beyond, let us champion leaders who not only build for today but preserve the richness of yesterday. Saint Lucia deserves nothing less.