The Living Legend: Marie “Leoni/Amo” Emmanuel of Roblot Honoured atChoiseul Leg of Independence Baton Relay

In the heart of the community of Roblot, there lives a woman whose life story reads like a powerful testimony of faith, endurance, sacrifice, and love.

Her name is Marie Emmanuel, affectionately called Leoni or Amo.

Born on July 18th, 1930, Marie is now approaching an extraordinary milestone — 96 years of life by the grace of God. In an age where many struggle to reach such longevity, Marie stands tall as a living example of what resilience, discipline, and humility can produce.

Marie is a devoted mother of sixteen children. Her journey has been filled with both tremendous joy and unimaginable sorrow. Five of her children have gone before her, and even now she faces the heartbreaking task of preparing to lay her sixth child to rest. Yet, through every storm, Marie remains steadfast, prayerful, and grounded in faith.

Those who know Marie will tell you that she has always believed in hard work and honest sweat. In her younger years, she labored tirelessly, including working at Windward Islands Tropical, located just across from her community. She balanced long days of work with the responsibility of raising her family, never complaining, never giving up.

Her lifestyle has always been simple and natural — a major contributor, many believe, to her long life. Marie’s meals mainly consist of ground provisions and fresh fish, foods grown and sourced close to home. No frills. No excess. Just wholesome nourishment, discipline, and consistency.

Recently, during activities surrounding Saint Lucia’s Independence celebrations, Marie Emmanuel was honored with the National Independence Baton, a symbolic recognition of her contribution to nation-building through community service, motherhood, and perseverance. She also received a beautiful bouquet from the Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul–Saltibus, Honorable Keithson Charles.

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/ZoBc_WO5YAY

At Choiseul on the Move, we believe that development is not only about roads, buildings, and infrastructure — it is also about celebrating the people who quietly built our communities with their bare hands, strong backs, and big hearts.

Marie Emmanuel is one of those builders. 

Today, we say thank you, Marie Emmanuel.

Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
Thank you for your example.

96 years and still standing strong.

Choiseul is proud. Roblot is proud. Saint Lucia is proud.

🇱🇨 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.

Visa & Passport Concerns: Why Choiseul/Saltibus Deserves Answers — Not Silence

With growing talk in the public space about visa challenges and questions surrounding passport integrity, one thing is becoming clear: people are uneasy, and they have every right to be.

In communities like Choiseul and Saltibus, overseas travel is not a luxury issue. It is tied to:

• seasonal and long-term employment,
• family reunification,
• medical travel,
• and supporting relatives through remittances.

So when citizens hear words like “visa restrictions” and “passport scandal,” anxiety is not political — it is personal.

Where Is the Reassurance?

At moments like this, the role of a District Representative becomes critically important. Not just to defend party positions, but to defend public confidence.

People in Choiseul/Saltibus deserve to hear clearly:

• Are ordinary citizens affected?
• Is personal information safe?
• Will legitimate travelers face new obstacles?
• What is being done to protect the country’s international reputation?

These are not unreasonable questions. These are responsible concerns from hardworking people who simply want to know where they stand.

Silence Creates Space for Rumours

When official voices remain quiet, WhatsApp groups and Facebook posts quickly fill the gap — often with speculation, half-truths and fear-driven narratives.

That is dangerous for social stability and damaging to public trust.

A simple community meeting, radio interview, Facebook live, or even a written statement shared through village councils could help calm nerves and restore confidence. Transparency does not weaken leadership — it strengthens it.

Representation Means Showing Up When It’s Uncomfortable

True representation is not only about development projects and election campaigns. It is also about standing with your people when they are uncertain and worried.

Choiseul/Saltibus is not asking for secrets to be revealed. We are asking for:

• respectful communication,
• honest updates,
• and reassurance based on facts.

Leadership should never be distant when public confidence is at stake.

A Call for Calm, Clear Communication

This post is not about blame. It is about responsibility. In times of national concern, leaders must speak — not hide behind silence.

Choiseul/Saltibus deserves clarity, not confusion. And our people deserve to feel informed, not forgotten.

Now is the time for our District Representative to step forward, address concerns directly, and help settle the fears that are quietly spreading through our communities.

Because when it comes to something as serious as our ability to travel, work, and care for our families — silence is not an option.

 

🗳️ Choiseul–Saltibus After 25 Years: Who Really Delivered?

A Choiseul on the Move reflection on representation, results, and accountability.

In Choiseul–Saltibus, we are not short on passion. We are not short on loyalty. And trust me—when it comes to patience, we have had plenty. But every now and then, a constituency has to pause, take a deep breath, and ask the uncomfortable question: Did we get value for our vote?

This is not about party colours or personal grudges. This is about outcomes: roads you can drive, opportunities you can feel, youth programs that don’t disappear after elections, and communities that don’t get treated like “back-of-beyond” once the ballots are counted.

For the record: we are assessing these four names only— Rufus Bousquet, Ferguson John, Lorne Theophilus, and Bradley “Brakey” Felix.
Keithson Charles is new, and it’s too early to grade his term, so we leave him out for now.

✅ The Standard: What Choiseul–Saltibus Voters Truly Measure

• Visible development (roads, drainage, community facilities, basic infrastructure)
• Access and presence (can people reach you outside election season?)
• Advocacy power (did you fight for the constituency at Cabinet / Parliament level?)
• Long-term impact (did conditions improve, or did we just survive?)

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🔴 Rufus Bousquet: Big Influence, Big Expectations

Rufus Bousquet had national profile, Cabinet weight, and years on the clock. In politics, that combination creates massive expectations— because if you have the voice and the seat at the table, you are expected to bring home results.

Yet, a common complaint from many communities has remained stubbornly consistent: too much national politics, not enough constituency transformation.

• Long stretches of limited visible change across villages
• Perception of being missing between elections
• Youth facilities and community upgrades often felt slow or absent

Fair or not, this is why many people judge that era harshly: when you have the most time and the most influence, your term gets measured by the biggest yardstick.

---

🟠 Ferguson John: A Term Remembered for Instability

Ferguson John’s time was short and clouded by controversy and disruption. When leadership is unstable, development slows—because a constituency can’t build momentum when it keeps losing its footing.

Some residents give him a pass because of the short runway. Others say Choiseul–Saltibus paid the price in lost time and lost continuity. Either way, that chapter did not leave a strong “progress” footprint.

---

🟡 Lorne Theophilus: Quiet Presence, Limited Punch

Many describe Lorne Theophilus as calm and approachable. But politics is not only about being present— it’s about pushing the system hard enough to produce results people can point to years later.

The common critique: not much drama, but also not much major transformation. For a constituency hungry for progress, “steady” can still feel like “stuck.”

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🟢 Bradley “Brakey” Felix: Short Time, Strong Community Energy

Brakey Felix didn’t have a long term to build mega projects. But what many residents remember is visibility, accessibility, and a stronger push around community and youth activity.

In rural constituencies, sometimes people don’t only want a politician—they want a representative who shows up, answers calls, and keeps the constituency feeling alive.

---

🏁 The Hard Truth: Who Gets Judged the Worst?

If we judge by expectations versus results, the reality is simple: the person with the most influence and the longest opportunity will face the strongest criticism when the constituency still feels underdeveloped.

By that measure, Rufus Bousquet carries the heaviest weight of disappointment among many Choiseul–Saltibus voters— not because he lacked power, but because many feel the constituency did not see transformation that matched the power he held.

⚠️ But Let’s Be Fair: The System Also Failed Rural Communities

Choiseul–Saltibus has also been battling bigger national problems: centralized decision-making, uneven investment, and a development model that often leaves rural areas fighting for scraps. So yes—individual MPs matter, but the wider system must be confronted too.

📌 What Choiseul–Saltibus Must Demand Going Forward

• Clear plans with timelines (not “soon come”)
• Quarterly updates the public can track
• Non-stop constituency presence, not seasonal drop-ins
• Youth development that survives elections
• Receipts: show us what was requested, approved, funded, started, and completed

Choiseul on the Move message: We can honour those who served, and still demand better. The era of blind loyalty must end. The era of accountability must begin.

Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments. If you disagree, bring your reasons—Choiseul is ready for mature discussion.

When the Earth Moves, Preparedness Must Not Be Optional

The recent earthquake felt across Saint Lucia was brief, but it carried a serious message. For Choiseul and communities like ours, it was a reminder that nature does not wait on convenience, announcements, or perfect timing.

Thankfully, there were no reports of serious damage or loss of life. But gratitude alone is not a strategy. Preparedness must follow awareness, otherwise the lesson is lost.

Choiseul Lives in a Seismic Reality

Earthquakes are not rare events happening somewhere else. Saint Lucia sits in an active seismic zone, and the Eastern Caribbean—from Martinique to Dominica—shares this same reality.

This means readiness is not a luxury. It is part of responsible community living.

Preparedness Starts at Home

Every household can take practical steps that reduce risk:

• Secure heavy furniture and appliances
• Identify safe spots inside the home
• Prepare basic emergency supplies
• Have a simple family regroup plan

These actions do not require large budgets or special training. They require awareness, discussion, and follow-through.

Community Readiness Is Just as Important

Prepared households strengthen the wider community. When families are ready, panic is reduced, vulnerable neighbours receive help faster, and recovery begins sooner.

In Choiseul, where people often depend on one another, preparedness should be viewed as a shared responsibility, not an individual burden.

Leadership Is Also What We Do for Each Other

Leadership is not only exercised from offices and podiums. It is also shown when people encourage preparedness, check on elderly neighbours, share information, and speak up before emergencies strike.

Strong communities are not built only after disasters. They are built in the quiet moments before.

A Reminder Worth Taking Seriously

This earthquake was not a crisis, but it was a warning we should not ignore. Being prepared is not about fear. It is about respect for life, family, and community.

Choiseul on the Move will continue to encourage awareness, responsibility, and practical action, because resilience begins long before the ground starts shaking.

What simple step can your household take this week to be better prepared?

Choiseul’s Youth Are Watching: Will Opportunity Meet Their Ambition?

Young people in Choiseul are not short on dreams. What they are often short on is opportunity close to home. Many are eager to work, learn skills, start businesses, and contribute to their communities—but too often, they feel forced to look elsewhere to make that happen.

This reality deserves honest attention, not just during election seasons, but all year round.

Ambition Is Not the Problem

Spend time around young people in Choiseul and one thing becomes clear: ambition is alive and well. From sports and arts to trades and entrepreneurship, talent is not lacking.

What is lacking, many say, are clear pathways—training, mentorship, financing, and structured programmes that turn potential into progress.

Staying Should Also Be a Viable Choice

No one should be criticized for seeking opportunity abroad. But young people should not feel that leaving is the only way to move forward.

Strong communities are built when young adults can imagine a future for themselves where they grew up—where they can work, raise families, and invest back into the places that shaped them.

Community Has a Role to Play

Supporting youth is not only the job of government agencies. It involves schools, churches, sports groups, business owners, and community leaders working together to guide, encourage, and mentor.

Sometimes what a young person needs most is not money, but belief, direction, and consistent support.

Listening Is Just as Important as Planning

Too often, youth programmes are designed without truly listening to the people they are meant to serve. Real progress happens when young voices are part of the conversation—not just the audience.

When youth feel heard, they are more likely to engage, contribute, and lead.

Investing in Youth Is Investing in Choiseul’s Future

The strength of Choiseul tomorrow depends on the confidence and capacity of its young people today. Development that does not make space for youth is development that cannot last.

If we want vibrant communities in the years ahead, we must start by creating meaningful opportunities now.

What opportunities do you believe young people in Choiseul need most right now?

🇺🇸 New U.S. Visa Stand: What It Really Means for Choiseul–Saltibus People

By Choiseul on the Move

Plenty people in Choiseul–Saltibus hearing on the radio and social media that the United States tightening up on visas and immigration again. Some saying, “That is America business, it not touching we.” But the truth is — it touching us more than plenty of us realize.

So let we break it down in plain Choiseul talk.

👉 What Exactly the U.S. Doing Now?

The U.S. government making it very clear that they watching Caribbean countries closer, especially when it comes to:

• Overstaying visas
• People going up and not coming back
• Countries not cooperating with deportations
• Persons working illegally while on visitor visas

When they see too much of that coming from one country, they don’t just punish the person — they tighten the rules for everybody from that country.

👉 So How That Affect Choiseul People?

Plenty families in Choiseul–Saltibus depending on U.S. connections:

• Children going to visit parents
• People going for medical treatment
• Farm workers and seasonal workers hoping for programs
• Small business people going to buy goods

When visa rules get tighter, more people getting refused, more delays, more stress, and more money wasted on applications that going nowhere.

That is not a Castries problem alone. That is a Ravine Poisson, La Fargue, Riviere Dorée, Roblot, Saltibus problem too.

👉 Why the U.S. Taking This Stand Now?

Right now the U.S. dealing with serious pressure from illegal migration at their borders. Politics hot, elections coming, and immigration is one of the biggest issues in their country.

So they sending a strong message: “If your country not helping us manage migration and deportation, we will respond with visa pressure.”

Whether we like it or not, small countries like Saint Lucia does not have much muscle in that fight. Big countries call the shots.

👉 The Hard Truth We Don’t Like to Hear

We quick to blame America. But we also have to look at we own behavior too:

• People overstaying and hiding
• People abusing visitor visas to work
• People giving fake information on applications

Every time that happens, it making it harder for honest people who just want to travel and come back home.

👉 Why This Should Matter to Young People in Choiseul

Some young people saying, “I not studying visa, I not going nowhere.” But opportunities don’t only come from staying put.

Scholarships, sports exposure, training programs, church trips, cultural exchanges — all of that depends on being able to travel.

If the door start closing, it closing on everybody, not just the ones trying to migrate.

👉 What We Should Really Be Asking Our Leaders

Instead of only reacting after the pressure come, we should be asking:

• What legal work programs being negotiated for our youth?
• What skills training we investing in so people don’t feel forced to migrate?
• How we protecting honest travelers from being punished for others’ actions?

Because at the end of the day, visa restrictions is not just foreign policy — it is bread-and-butter issues for families in Choiseul–Saltibus.

👉 Final Word from Choiseul on the Move

This U.S. visa stand is not something to brush off. It affects family, business, education, sports, and hope.

We may be small on the world map, but the decisions made in Washington reaching right into our villages.

And if we serious about development, we must start treating international relations, migration, and youth opportunity as real community issues — not just big talk for politicians and news conferences.

Choiseul on the Move will continue to break these issues down in ways that make sense for real people, in real communities.

 

St. Lucia & Third-Country Deportees: The Hard Truth Behind the “Non-Binding” MOU

Choiseul on the Move | A straight-talk breakdown for regular people who don’t have time for diplomatic riddles.

Let’s drop the fairy tales. St. Lucia didn’t “wake up one morning” and decide it wants to be a landing pad for people the United States can’t easily send home. If Cabinet approved an MOU to potentially accept third-country nationals, it’s not because St. Lucians demanded it, and it’s not because we suddenly have extra housing, extra policing, extra courts, extra jobs, and extra social services lying around. It’s because power talks… and small states often move when big states lean.

1) “Non-binding” doesn’t mean “nothing”

The Prime Minister says the arrangement is non-binding and would be handled case-by-case. That sounds soothing. But here’s the hard truth: a “non-binding” MOU is still a signal of cooperation. It’s a foot in the door. Once you signal cooperation to a superpower on migration enforcement, the next thing is usually “fine print,” “operational details,” and “practical expectations.”

Translation: “Non-binding” often means: “We’re not admitting the full cost yet, and we don’t want public backlash before we manage the PR.”

2) The real pressure: leverage, not love

The U.S. is in an aggressive immigration posture. The Caribbean is in a vulnerable position. That’s the equation. When Washington wants partners to help manage deportations/asylum removals, it does not ask like a neighbor borrowing sugar. It negotiates with leverage: visas, security cooperation, aid pathways, diplomatic access, and the invisible “goodwill” that small countries rely on when a crisis hits.

• Visa pressure is real politics. Even the hint of tougher visa conditions spooks governments because it affects travel, family ties, business, and diaspora movement.
• Regional pattern matters. Dominica and others have publicly discussed similar arrangements—meaning St. Lucia is moving with a wider regional tide, not acting alone.
• “Cooperate now” beats “punished later.” Many governments choose pre-emptive compliance so they’re not targeted as “unhelpful.”

3) What’s likely going on in Philip J. Pierre’s mind (without mind-reading)

We can’t claim to know a man’s private thoughts. But we can read incentives like adults. Based on what has been publicly reported, the government is likely trying to balance three fears:

1. Fear #1: U.S. blowback. Becoming “uncooperative” can have consequences—official or unofficial.
2. Fear #2: Domestic backlash. St. Lucians are already anxious about crime, cost of living, jobs, housing, and border control.
3. Fear #3: Regional isolation. If neighbors sign and you refuse, you risk standing alone in negotiations with a superpower.

So the political play becomes: sign a “soft” MOU, calm the public with “non-binding” language, and keep diplomatic doors open. That is not bravery. That is risk management.

4) The foolishness: secrecy + vagueness

The biggest problem isn’t even the concept of an MOU. It’s the information deficit. When people can’t read the agreement, they assume the worst—and honestly, that’s a fair reaction in a world where “frameworks” quietly become “programs.”

Hard truth: If the agreement is harmless, publish it. If it can’t be published, then it’s not harmless.

5) The Choiseul lens: why this matters to us

Choiseul and the south already feel pressure: limited opportunities, youth vulnerability, uneven development, and communities trying to keep peace with thin resources. If St. Lucia ever moves from “MOU talk” to actual transfers, the burden won’t land on boardrooms—it lands on:

• our police and courts,
• our clinics and social services,
• our housing market and already-stressed communities,
• our jobs landscape,
• and our national security posture.

And if anything goes wrong, who pays the price first? Not the press conference crowd. Regular people. Villages. Working families. Youth.

6) What St. Lucians should demand — immediately

Not noise. Not rumor. Clear demands:

• Publish the full MOU and any attachments/side letters.
• Define “third-country national” in plain language and list exclusions (criminal history, gang ties, security flags, etc.).
• State the cap: How many? Over what time? Under what conditions?
• State the money: Who pays for detention, housing, healthcare, deportation logistics, and monitoring?
• State the location and process: Where are people housed? Who supervises? What legal rights exist? What screening occurs?
• Parliamentary debate with a recorded vote—so accountability has names, not fog.

Final word

This MOU looks like St. Lucia trying to stay in the U.S. “good books” in a season of hard immigration politics. But here’s the part leaders must accept: you cannot ask a small nation to carry big-nation problems in secrecy. If the government wants trust, it must earn it with documents, details, and democratic debate—not vibes.

Choiseul on the Move will keep watching. Because when decisions are made “up there,” the impact always reaches “down here.”

Development in Choiseul: How Do We Measure Real Progress?

In every election cycle and national budget season, one word is always guaranteed to appear: development. It is promised, promoted, and proudly announced. But for communities like Choiseul, the real question is not whether development is being discussed—it is whether it is being felt.

Progress should be measured not only by speeches and signboards, but by everyday experiences: safer roads, reliable utilities, access to opportunity, and services that reach people where they actually live.

Projects vs. Outcomes

Projects are important. They bring visibility and can improve infrastructure. But outcomes matter even more. A road should improve access. A facility should improve service. A programme should improve livelihoods.

When development does not translate into everyday improvement, communities are left asking hard but necessary questions.

Community Voices Must Matter

Choiseul is not short on opinions, ideas, or insight. People know where the problems are. They know which areas flood, which roads remain dangerous, and which services fall short.

Development planning should not be something that happens only in offices and boardrooms. It should reflect real consultation, local priorities, and community feedback.

Progress Should Be Balanced

True development does not focus on one area while leaving others behind. Growth must reach communities, families, youth, farmers, and small business owners.

When development becomes uneven, frustration grows. When it becomes inclusive, confidence and cooperation increase.

Accountability Is Not Opposition

Asking questions does not mean being against progress. It means caring enough to want better outcomes. Communities that stay silent often remain stagnant.

Constructive accountability helps leaders improve decision-making and helps citizens stay informed and engaged.

A Community That Pays Attention Moves Forward

Choiseul’s future depends not only on policies, but on participation. Paying attention, asking respectful questions, and staying involved are all part of shaping the direction of development.

Progress should never be something that happens to a community. It should be something built with it.

What area of development do you believe should be a priority for Choiseul right now?

🎤 New Year, Big Promises — But Choiseul Still Wants to See the Work

Every New Year’s address is supposed to do two things: lift the spirit and signal the direction. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s speech aimed to do exactly that — with talk of unity, national progress, and a busy development agenda. And yes, parts of it sounded hopeful.

💡 But here’s the Choiseul-on-the-Move question: after the applause fades, will the promises land where people live — in communities like Choiseul, Saltibus, La Fargue, Debreuil, Rivière Dorée, and Roblot?

✅ What the Speech Got Right

• Unity message: The Prime Minister pushed back against “bitterness, hatred and division” and called for a more compassionate Saint Lucia. In a politically heated climate, that’s the kind of tone the country needs.
• Development focus: The address highlighted priorities like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and youth opportunity — the very areas people talk about at the bus stop, in the market, and in the community center.
• Forward-looking energy: The speech leaned into action and momentum, not just ceremony. That’s a better use of national airtime than pure pageantry.

⚠️ Where the Speech Fell Short (And Why People Are Still Uneasy)

1) Plenty “what”… not enough “when.”
We heard many good intentions — but fewer timelines. Saint Lucians don’t only want to know what is planned; we want to know when it starts, how long it will take, and what the community should expect along the way.

A national address becomes stronger when it includes clear targets — even simple ones: “By June we will begin…”, “By September we will complete…”, “By year-end we will deliver…”.

2) Big vision needs local receipts.
When governments speak of national progress, it must translate into visible improvement in everyday services — roadworks done properly, drainage that doesn’t fail after rain, public offices that treat people respectfully, and opportunities that don’t feel “hand-picked” or politically filtered.

In rural communities, people judge leadership by the basics: access, fairness, and follow-through.

3) Cost of living needed stronger, direct talk.
Many households are feeling pressure: groceries, utility bills, school expenses, and the constant hustle to “make ends meet.” A New Year’s address can’t solve it overnight — but it should speak to it with clarity and empathy.

People want to hear what relief looks like in real terms: jobs, training, small business support, and price stability — not just broad promises.

4) Unity can’t be a slogan — it must be policy.
Calling for unity is good — but unity becomes believable when citizens see fairness in hiring, contracting, and community support, regardless of political colour.

If we truly want to “turn the page,” government must lead by example: consistent standards, equal treatment, and transparent decisions.

📍 The Choiseul Lens: What We’ll Be Watching in 2026

Choiseul people are not against progress — we are hungry for it. But we will be watching for proof in areas that touch daily life:

• 🛣️ Roads, drainage, and infrastructure that last — not quick patchwork.
• 👷 Jobs and training that reach young people in the south, not just headlines in Castries.
• 🏥 Healthcare access that feels real in the communities — not only in speeches.
• 📑 Public service delivery that treats every citizen with respect, regardless of political affiliation.

🗣️ Final word: The Prime Minister’s speech carried optimism and ambition — and the country can appreciate that. But 2026 must be a year where Saint Lucia moves from promises to proof. From announcements to accountability. From vision to visible results.

What did you take away from the New Year’s address? Was it inspiring — or did it feel like the usual political script?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation respectful, honest, and focused on progress. 🇱🇨

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Choiseul on the Move — community-focused commentary for people who want development that can be seen, felt, and measured.