Kiffo Speaks: A Vision of Community, Culture, and Change for Choiseul–Saltibus
In his recent appearance on Chill and Chat with host Maundy Lewis, Keithson “Kiffo” Charles, the endorsed candidate for the St. Lucia Labour Party in the constituency of Choiseul–Saltibus, shared an inspiring and deeply personal look into his vision for the constituency he calls home.
The conversation revealed a candidate whose message goes beyond politics—it’s about people, purpose, and progress.
Born of the Community, Shaped by Service
Kiffo made it clear that he is, first and foremost, a product of the Choiseul–Saltibus community. Born at the Mongouge Health Centre and educated at Mongouge Combined and Choiseul Secondary, he spoke of being “raised by the community” and molded by its values. Before entering politics, he was known as “Prince Charles,” a DJ who used his music not just to entertain but to bring people together—hosting community events and fundraisers. His journey into politics, he explained, was a natural continuation of that service.
Three Pillars: Infrastructure, Opportunity, and Community
Throughout the interview, Charles emphasized three key priorities for Choiseul–Saltibus— infrastructure, economic opportunity, and community development.
He acknowledged the pressing infrastructural needs in the constituency, including road rehabilitation and water access, especially for outlying areas like Delcer. He stressed the importance of strong advocacy in Parliament, noting that while resources are available nationally, Choiseul needs a louder voice to secure its fair share.
Charles also spoke passionately about economic empowerment, pointing out that many government initiatives—such as the Youth Economy and MSME Loan Grant Facility—are not reaching the people who need them most. He envisions a more hands-on approach to community engagement, where representatives help residents navigate these opportunities through workshops and structured outreach.
Reviving the Spirit of Choiseul
A major theme in Kiffo’s interview was the loss of community life over the past decade. He lamented that beloved cultural activities such as beauty pageants, Carnival, and Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations have faded from the local calendar. His plan includes reviving youth clubs, community development committees, and cultural groups to bring back a sense of belonging and pride. “We must rebuild community spirit,” he said, “and create spaces where our people can thrive together again.”
A Deep Respect for Local Craft and Culture
The candidate also highlighted Choiseul’s rich artistic and cultural potential—from the pottery makers of Industry and Martin to the craftswomen of Mongouge and Delcer. He described these local artisans as “the heartbeat of Choiseul,” calling for investment, capacity-building, and marketing support to help them reach regional and international markets.
His dream, he explained, is to see Choiseul evolve into a hub of community tourism and cultural enterprise, where visitors can experience authentic Saint Lucian heritage firsthand.
A Servant Leader, Not a Politician
More than anything, Kiffo described himself as a servant leader—a man who values action over promises. He shared a story about a man who pledged him his vote, not because of party loyalty, but because of a small act of kindness years ago. “Leadership is about those quiet moments of service that people never forget.”
His tone throughout was humble, yet confident—rooted in the belief that leadership begins with listening and working alongside the people.
A Plan for the Future
Charles announced that on October 19th, he will officially unveil his development plan for Choiseul–Saltibus—a roadmap shaped by community input and guided by the principles of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s “Putting People First” philosophy. He encouraged residents to review, refine, and help execute the plan, emphasizing that success must be shared: “Five years from now, we’ll look back and see how far we’ve come—together.”
Better Together
As the interview closed, Kiffo’s message to his people was simple yet powerful: unity over division. He called for Choiseulians—regardless of political allegiance—to “start a conversation” and work towards a better, stronger community. His campaign, as he put it, is not just about winning an election; it’s about building a movement rooted in compassion, development, and togetherness. “We can do it better together.”
Written by: Choiseul on the Move Editorial Team
Program: Chill and Chat
Guest: Keithson “Kiffo” Charles
Host: Mondi Lewis
Production: Hot 7 TV / St. Lucia Labour Party Media Unit
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