🔴 MEET THE CANDIDATES – PART 2

The Challenger: Keithson “Kiffo” Charles

📢 Series Introduction 

“MEET THE CANDIDATES” is a special 4-part blog series designed to give voters in Choiseul/Saltibus a clear, no-fluff understanding of the two men vying to represent them in the next Parliament. Whether you're leaning red or yellow—or still on the fence—our goal is to equip you with the facts, so you can vote smart and vote strong.

We cover:

Part 1 – The Incumbent: Bradley “Flex” Felix

Part 2 – The Challenger: Keithson “Kiffo” Charles

Part 3 – The Key Issues & Questions for Candidates

Part 4 – The Verdict (Not Mine, Yours)

👉🏽 Now let’s meet the man seeking to bring change to the Choiseul/Saltibus seat.

🔴 PART 2: The Challenger – Keithson “Kiffo” Charles (SLP)

Keithson "Kiffo" Charles enters the political ring with quiet confidence, deep community ties, and a 25-year track record in one of the country’s most essential sectors — electricity.

Running on the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) ticket, Kiffo presents himself as a fresh face with the technical know-how, community credibility, and level-headed leadership the constituency needs now more than ever.

🎓 Background & Experience

Homegrown Roots: Kiffo is a proud son of Choiseul, where he has lived his entire life.

Career at LUCELEC: With 25+ years at Saint Lucia Electricity Services Ltd., he currently serves as Supervisor in the Customer Care, Transmission & Distribution Division, overseeing operations for the entire southern zone.

Education & Training:

▪ Certificate in Electrical Engineering Technology

▪ Certificate in Management from UWI Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business

Awards: Named Technical Supervisor of the Year at LUCELEC in 2014 — a nod to his reliability and leadership.

🛠️ Professional Strengths

Kiffo brings a technical mindset and operations-focused approach to politics, with proven experience in:

Problem-solving in critical infrastructure

Managing large teams

Customer service & responsiveness

Community-focused service delivery

He believes that “representation is about more than showing up in parliament—it’s about showing up for your people every day.”

🧩 Strengths

✅ Strong local roots and community trust

✅ Real-world experience managing vital public utilities

✅ Fresh perspective and clean political slate

✅ Recognized leadership within LUCELEC and beyond

⚠️ Weaknesses / Criticism

❌ Lack of political and legislative experience — first-time candidate

❌ Some may question whether technical skills translate into national leadership

❌ Must prove he can push through red tape and deliver fast

Still, Kiffo is positioning himself as the candidate for accountability, inclusion, and delivery — without the distractions of political drama.

🎯 What He’s Promising

While his full manifesto is still being shaped, Kiffo has already made it clear that his campaign will center on:

Youth empowerment

Service improvement (especially electricity, roads, water access)

Community trust rebuilding

Transparent governance

Local employment generation

In interviews and walkabouts, he frequently speaks about "restoring hope in governance" and "bringing practical solutions to the table, not just promises."

🗳️ Final Word (for this part)

As you get to know Kiffo Charles, ask yourself:

Do we need a new approach in Choiseul/Saltibus?

Can someone outside the current system fix what’s broken inside it?

Do technical skills and people-centered leadership matter more than political polish?

Coming up next:

Part 3 – The Key Issues & Questions for the Candidates

🟡 MEET THE CANDIDATES – PART 1

The Incumbent – Bradley “Flex” Felix

📢 Series Introduction:

“MEET THE CANDIDATES” is a special 4-part blog series designed to give voters in Choiseul/Saltibus a clear, no-fluff understanding of the two men vying to represent them in the next Parliament. Whether you're leaning red or yellow—or still on the fence—our goal is to equip you with the facts, so you can vote smart and vote strong.

We cover:

Part 1 – The Incumbent: Bradley “Flex” Felix

Part 2 – The Challenger: Keithson “Kiffo” Charles

Part 3 – The Key Issues & Questions for Candidates

Part 4 – The Verdict (Not Mine, Yours)

👉🏽 Let’s start with the man currently holding the seat.

🟡 PART 1: The Incumbent – Bradley “Flex” Felix (UWP)

Bradley "Flex" Felix has become a familiar face in Choiseul/Saltibus politics. Representing the United Workers Party (UWP), he has held the seat since 2016 and has built his reputation on the back of long-standing public service, a deep background in finance, and his role in Saint Lucia’s Cabinet.

🎓 Background & Experience

Profession: Banker by trade, with over 32 years in the banking sector, Felix came into politics with a financial mind and people-centered approach.

Constituency: Elected to serve Choiseul/Saltibus in 2016, unseating Lorne Theophilus (SLP).

Ministerial Roles: Served as Minister for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development & Consumer Affairs under UWP’s last administration.

In his own words, his banking experience gave him a strong understanding of “how people manage money, how business grows, and how government policies affect the man on the street.”

🛠️ Work as an MP

Bradley Felix has overseen and advocated for several constituency and national projects, including:

Roadworks and infrastructure upgrades in key Choiseul communities.

Support for the Choiseul Fishers Project, including foreign assistance to tackle port challenges.

Calls for national productivity standards, encouraging business efficiency and customer service.

Youth & sports development, with efforts toward community centers and support for local sports teams.

He has consistently positioned himself as a “servant of the people,” not a career politician.

🧩 Strengths

✅ Name recognition and incumbency advantage

✅ Experience both in Cabinet and the constituency

✅ Strong ties to the finance and investment sector

✅ Clear track record on infrastructure, standards, and fisheries

⚠️ Weaknesses / Criticism

❌ Some voters feel promises have outpaced delivery.

❌ Critics argue that key sectors like youth employment, agriculture, and drainage remain under-addressed.

❌ As a long-term incumbent, he faces the usual scrutiny of “what have you done for me lately?”

Still, Felix insists that his development plans are “ongoing,” and he remains confident that the people of Choiseul/Saltibus will “choose substance over slogans” come election day.

🗳️ Final Word (for this part)

As you evaluate the incumbent, ask yourself:

Has your community improved over the last five years?

Has your voice been heard and respected?

Do you believe Felix still has more to offer?

Next up: Part 2 – The Challenger: Keithson “Kiffo” Charles (SLP)

Buying Votes: The Rotten Core of Our Democracy

There is something deeply rotten about the political culture creeping through our country—a practice so disgraceful, so brazen, that it spits in the face of every principle democracy stands for: paying voters for their support.

Yes, I said it. And if you’re one of those politicians, campaign operatives, or “foot soldiers” handing out cash, grocery bags, or envelopes stuffed with promises in exchange for a tick on a ballot—you are not a leader. You are a political hustler buying power on credit, and the nation pays the interest.

A Bribe by Any Other Name

Let’s strip away the spin. Call it “helping the poor,” “providing assistance,” or “campaign goodwill” all you want—when that ‘help’ only comes when elections are near, and only if voters agree to “vote the right way,” it’s not charity. It’s a bribe.
And here’s the truth: if a politician has to buy your vote, it’s because their record cannot earn it.

It’s Not Just Immoral—It’s Illegal

This isn’t just an ethical lapse—it’s a criminal act. Election laws exist to protect the integrity of the vote. When politicians pay for votes, they are literally tampering with the sovereign will of the people. It is voter fraud, plain and simple, dressed up in cash and plastic bags.

The Cost to the Nation

Every dollar handed out to secure votes is a dollar stolen from proper governance. That “campaign cash” isn’t coming from the candidate’s generosity—it’s coming from money that could have repaired roads, improved hospitals, or boosted education. Politicians who buy votes don’t see people—they see transactions. And when they get into office, they treat the national treasury like their personal repayment plan.

The Voter’s Role in the Corruption

Let’s not pretend it’s only the politicians at fault. If you take that money and cast your vote for whoever pays the most, you’re selling out your own future. You’re signing a contract that says, “I’m fine with being forgotten the day after elections.” That short-term gain costs years of progress.

The Bottom Line

Vote-buying is not politics—it’s the prostitution of democracy. It destroys trust, breeds corruption, and ensures that leadership is not earned but bought. If a candidate must pay you to vote for them, it’s because they have nothing else to offer. And if you accept it, you’ve just been bought—and so has your silence for the next five years.

In the next election, remember this: real leaders inspire loyalty through vision, service, and results—not cash and cheap favors. Don’t let your vote be a commodity. It’s your power. Use it, don’t sell it.

🎉 Celebrating District 7 Teachers: Empowering Educators, Building Our Future 🎉

Date: September 28 – October 5, 2025

Theme: Empowering Educators: Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability

🌟 Honoring the Heart of Education in District 7 🌟

Teachers are the pulse of our communities — shaping young minds, nurturing character, and building the very foundation upon which our society stands. As we celebrate Teachers' Appreciation Week 2025 under the powerful theme “Empowering Educators: Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability,” we pause to give heartfelt thanks to the exceptional educators of District 7 in Saint Lucia.

From bustling classrooms to quiet moments of encouragement, our teachers are the ones who rise each day with purpose — despite challenges, despite limited resources — because they believe in the future of every child.

📚 Shining the Spotlight on Our Schools

Let us recognize the incredible institutions and the heroes who serve within them:

• Banse Combined School
• Laborie Girls’ Primary School
• Laborie Boys’ Primary School
• Piaye Combined School
• Saltibus Combined School
• Roblot Combined School
• Reunion Primary School
• Mongouge Combined School
• Delcer Primary School

These schools are more than buildings — they are beacons of hope, launchpads of dreams, and safe spaces where futures are molded every single day.

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💌 A Special Message to Each School’s Educators

To the Banse Combined School teachers:
Your patience and persistence echo in the confidence of your students. Your love reaches far beyond the walls of your classroom. Thank you for staying the course.

To the Laborie Girls’ Primary educators:
You teach not just academics, but grace, strength, and dignity. Your influence nurtures strong girls who will become powerful women.

To the Laborie Boys’ Primary teachers:
Your guidance helps shape young men of vision and value. You are planting seeds of leadership that will serve our nation tomorrow.

To the Piaye Combined School team:
Your passion lights up the most remote corners of our district. You remind us that distance should never define destiny.

To the Saltibus Combined School educators:
Resilient, resourceful, and relentless — your commitment inspires a whole community. Thank you for always showing up with heart.

To the Roblot Combined School teachers:
You prove daily that every child deserves a champion. Your dedication to excellence does not go unnoticed.

To the Reunion Primary staff:
In every lesson you teach, you rebuild dreams. You are champions of inclusivity, care, and creativity.

To the Mongouge Combined School team:
You bring warmth and wisdom into the classroom. Thank you for instilling values that last a lifetime.

To the Delcer Primary educators:
From the mountainside to the world stage, your students are rising because of your belief in them. Keep lifting them higher.

🙌 A Week to Say THANK YOU

District 7 teachers, this week is for you and about you. You are more than professionals — you are mentors, motivators, role models, and sometimes the only safe harbor some children know.

As we celebrate Teachers’ Appreciation Week 2025, let us renew our commitment as a nation to empower our educators, strengthen their resilience, and build a sustainable future by standing with them — not just in word, but in deed.

Thank you for being the backbone of education in Saint Lucia. Your efforts matter. Your impact is immeasurable. And your legacy is forever etched in the hearts of your students.

📝 To all teachers in District 7 and beyond — Happy Teachers’ Week!
We see you. We salute you. We stand with you. 💛

#TeachersWeek2025 #District7Pride #EmpoweringEducators #ThankYouTeachers #Laborie #Saltibus #Piaye #ChoiseulSchools #WeLoveOurTeachers

🔊 A Message from the Administrator: This Blog Is Not a Political Tool

By the Team at Choiseul on the Move

Let’s get something straight.

“Choiseul on the Move” is not, and has never been, a political machine for the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), the United Workers Party (UWP), or any other political organization.

We are a community platform—a people-first, truth-driven, idea-sharing space that aims to reflect the soul, concerns, and progress of Choiseul/Saltibus and Saint Lucia at large. Our commitment is to balanced reporting, critical thinking, and public engagement—not political allegiance.

🌍 Why We Publish Voices from Both Sides

1. Because Our Readers Deserve the Full Picture
   Political echo chambers don’t help a nation grow. Our people need to hear all perspectives to make informed choices—especially with elections looming and major development projects underway.

2. Because We’re Tired of Bias
   Mainstream narratives are often skewed. Choiseul on the Move gives equal real estate to both government supporters and opposition voices. This isn’t just fairness—it’s necessary.

3. Because Democracy Depends on Dialogue
   Real democracy thrives not on agreement, but on respectful disagreement. Whether you're for or against a candidate, we believe your voice deserves to be heard and respected on our platform.

4. Because the Issues Are Bigger Than the Parties
   When we talk about youth employment, community centers, roads, water supply, or the reconstruction of St. Jude’s Hospital—we’re talking about people’s lives, not party colors. The development of Choiseul/Saltibus must never become hostage to partisan politics.

5. Because Our Community Is Diverse
   Our readers come from Roblot, Piaye, Delcer, Mongouge, La Fargue, Saltibus, Morne Sion, and everywhere in between. They include farmers, teachers, contractors, youth leaders, the unemployed, and retirees. To pretend they all vote one way would be a disservice to our reality.

🔁 What You’ll See on This Blog

✅ Criticism of both UWP and SLP when they fall short
✅ Praise when it’s deserved—no matter the source
✅ Opinion pieces from a wide range of community members
✅ Hard questions and calls for accountability
✅ Spotlight on community voices, not political elites

🚫 What You Won’t See Here

❌ Paid propaganda
❌ Party directives
❌ Censorship of dissenting opinions
❌ Political favoritism disguised as journalism

💬 Our Invitation to You

We welcome contributors from every walk of life—whether you're red, yellow, green, or somewhere in between. What matters to us is truth, clarity, and relevance to the people of Choiseul/Saltibus. Send your stories, your views, your reports, your rebuttals. Let’s build a platform that reflects us all.

Let us be very clear: Choiseul on the Move doesn’t dance to the tune of any party. We serve only one agenda—the people’s.

🖊️ Yours in community journalism,
The Administrator
📍 https://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com

Mixed Signals and Political Mischief: A Word to Darrion Louis

Mr. Darrion Louis, let’s be clear.

Your recent Facebook post—cloaked in poetic ambiguity—raises more red flags than inspiration. While you claim the “dream remains,” your motives seem muddled, and your message dangerously borders on sowing seeds of division just when your party should be focused on unity and clarity.

You wrote:

"On to you Mr. Keithson Kiffo Charles and Mr. Philip J. Pierre..."

"Seven years later the yearning is unchanged...Who among you will commit to making that vision real?"

Excuse us, sir, but are you campaigning... or grandstanding?

You were part of the SLP candidate vetting process and you knew what signing up meant. You put your name in the hat, and the party chose someone else—Keithson “Kiffo” Charles. That’s democracy. That’s internal party discipline. That’s how political machinery works.

So why now, are you acting like an independent critic or a shadow candidate?

Disguised Undermining?

This part of your post is especially telling:

"I remain convinced that I-3 is the decisive box in the coming election."
"Which candidate will convincingly deliver this dream and persuade our YOUNG PEOPLE to vote?"

This reads like a subtle jab. A passive-aggressive challenge to Kiffo’s leadership and the Prime Minister’s influence. If you truly believe in the SLP and the cause you once pursued under its banner, this is not the time to play armchair quarterback.

This is not a neutral reflection. This is political sabotage in soft-focus. And the people of I-3 are not blind.

If You're Out, Then Step Back. Or Be Honest About Stepping Forward Again.

If you intend to support the party and help the candidate the people didn’t reject—but the party selected—then rally behind Kiffo with strength and solidarity. If not, come out boldly and state your intentions.

This in-between stance—neither supportive nor oppositional, neither candidate nor comrade—is confusing at best and misleading at worst.

The community is watching. They want clarity, not cryptic riddles. They want leadership, not lingering bitterness. And most of all, they want you to choose a lane.

Final Thought

You said, “The dream remains though the players may shift.”

Yes, players shift—and true team players accept that shift with grace and support the new lineup. If you're not playing anymore, don’t heckle from the sidelines.

I-3 will decide nothing if it’s torn by ego and entitlement.

Respect the process. Respect the people. And if your dream is real—don’t weaponize it against your own team.

Let’s not confuse ambition with disruption.

🩺💰 UWP’s $75K Health Insurance and Levy Removal: A Bold Promise That Hits Home

Imagine this.

Your mom slips and breaks a hip. Surgery is needed. The cost? $22,000. And the worst part? You have no coverage. You panic. Your bank account isn't prepared, and you’re stuck choosing between her health and your rent.

Now imagine this: You call a hotline, give your NIC number, and the hospital tells you, “You’re covered. Up to $75,000 annually. No levy. No red tape. Just care.”

That’s the kind of vision the United Workers Party (UWP) is painting as they prepare to hit the campaign trail. And whether you bleed yellow, red, or none at all, this promise is raising eyebrows—and hopes.

🟡 The Offer on the Table

Let’s break it down. UWP’s platform includes:

✅ Eliminating the 2.5% Health & Security Levy—a tax that many argue burdens workers and businesses alike.
✅ Introducing a National Health Insurance Scheme offering every Saint Lucian up to EC $75,000 in annual medical coverage.

This is part of their wider SOS-7 (Save Our Saint Lucia) agenda—a campaign that touches on issues like fuel prices, crime, and education. But this healthcare promise? It’s the real scene-stealer.

💡 Why This Is Catching Fire With the Public

1. It Hits the Pocket, Where It Hurts Most

Let’s be honest. The 2.5% levy may sound small, but when every dollar counts, getting rid of it is a clear, feel-good move. It says:

“We trust you to manage your money better than the government does.”

Couple that with free health insurance? That’s putting money back in people’s pockets and offering a safety net at the same time. It’s smart politics—and practical too.

2. Health Is Personal

This isn’t about abstract GDP figures or national debt. It’s about you, your child, your parents, and the peace of mind that you won’t go broke just because you get sick.

At EC $75,000 per person, this isn’t just a symbolic gesture. It’s a lifeline, especially for working-class and middle-income families who can’t afford private insurance and are frustrated with under-equipped public health services.

3. A Sharp Contrast with the Status Quo

UWP isn’t just making promises—they’re positioning themselves as the alternative to disappointment.
They argue that over $60 million has been collected from the current levy... but where are the results? Crowded hospitals. Shortages in medication. Patients lying on stretchers.

By proposing to remove the tax AND still give more, they draw a powerful contrast—and dare the electorate to believe again.

4. Clear, Catchy, and Campaign-Ready

Politically speaking, it’s brilliant.

• “We’ll scrap the levy.”
• “You’ll get $75K in coverage.”

It’s simple, memorable, and looks great on a billboard. In an election season where clarity sells, this is prime material.

😐 But… Is It Too Good to Be True?

Let’s be balanced. Promises are sweet, but delivery is everything. So voters are right to ask:

🛠️ How will it be funded? Removing a levy means losing a revenue stream. Can the economy afford that and health insurance?
📋 What will the system look like? Will it be universal? Will private doctors be included? How fast will claims be processed?
🤔 Can we trust this to be more than just campaign talk? Saint Lucians have been burned before.

These are real concerns. And any party proposing major reforms must show how they’ll deliver, not just what they’re offering.

🗳️ Final Thoughts: Sweet Words or Game-Changer?

Whatever your political leaning, you have to admit—it’s a bold promise. And boldness sells in elections.

This isn’t just about votes. It’s about hope. It’s about daring to imagine a Saint Lucia where health care doesn’t send us to the poorhouse, and where taxes serve people—not drain them.

Whether the UWP can actually pull it off is a question for policy analysts, economists, and the ballot box. But one thing is clear:

This is the kind of promise that gets people talking, thinking… and voting.

🔁 What do you think?
Would you support this healthcare plan? Do you believe it’s achievable—or just another fairy tale? Drop your thoughts in the comments or message us on Facebook.

Let’s talk about it. Because your health isn’t a luxury—it’s a right. 💛🇱🇨