Saint Lucia Deserves Better: Why Language Should Never Be a Weapon in Politics"

Recently on his weekly program “Can I Help You,” Minister Richard Frederick made a startling and frankly disappointing claim—that Allen Chastanet, the Leader of the Opposition, is unfit to be Prime Minister of Saint Lucia because he does not speak fluent Kweyol.

Yes, you read that right. In the middle of all the pressing national concerns—crime, unemployment, cost of living, education—our Minister chose to take aim at someone’s ability to speak a dialect.

Now, let’s make one thing clear: Saint Lucian Creole is a beautiful, important part of our heritage. It deserves respect, preservation, and promotion. But to weaponize it as a political litmus test? That is something else entirely. That is elitist. That is divisive. And it carries with it a subtle, yet unmistakable, tincture of racism.

Let’s call this what it is—small island politics dressed up as cultural pride.

To suggest that a Saint Lucian-born citizen who is legally, constitutionally, and democratically elected is “unfit” for leadership because of how he speaks—or doesn’t speak—a language is dangerous rhetoric. It creates an “us vs. them” mentality in a country that needs unity more than ever.

Should we now disqualify citizens who grew up abroad? Who speak English as their first language? Who look different, sound different, or come from different economic backgrounds?

This isn't just an attack on Allen Chastanet. It's a message—whether intentional or not—to every Saint Lucian who may not speak Kweyol fluently: you don’t belong, you’re not Saint Lucian enough.

That is not leadership. That is not patriotism. That is prejudice.

Mr. Frederick, you are a seasoned politician. You know better. And Saint Lucia deserves better.

The true mark of leadership is the ability to serve all people—regardless of dialect, accent, or ancestry. If we start measuring our leaders by their fluency in Creole instead of their integrity, vision, and results, we are headed down a dark, narrow road.

This is not the Saint Lucia our ancestors fought for. And it should not be the Saint Lucia we accept today.

CHOISEUL SHINES BRIGHT: MÈT BONDA YO!

In the peaceful and picturesque southwestern district of St. Lucia, the communities of Choiseul are buzzing with pride after two of their own were promoted to the prestigious rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. Luke Defreitas, from La Pointe, and Albert Charlery, from Bellevue, have both been recognized for their exceptional dedication, leadership, and tireless efforts within the force.

As Choiseul continues to be known for its serene landscapes and tight-knit community, it now has another reason to be proud—its homegrown law enforcement officers, who have reached the pinnacle of their careers. These promotions not only signify personal achievements but also reflect the dedication of the Choiseul community in supporting its own.

ACP Luke Defreitas: A Humble Reflection of Success

In an exclusive interview with the St. Lucia Times, ACP Luke Defreitas shared his gratitude for the unwavering support that has helped him reach this milestone in his career. “Though it is a significant personal achievement for me, I think it signifies a lot more,” Defreitas expressed humbly. “At my level, without the support of the persons I supervise and work alongside, promotions like this are not easy.”

He also highlighted the role of his colleagues, especially Commissioner of Police Vern Garde, in his journey. ACP Defreitas acknowledged the critical importance of public cooperation in crime reduction, as he spoke about the continuing challenges facing the police force. With 14 homicides recorded this year, many still under investigation, and road safety concerns growing due to recent fatalities, Defreitas stressed the ongoing need for collaboration between the police and the public.

“We are seeing some progress,” Defreitas noted, “and we continue to ask the public to work with us in partnership to make Saint Lucia a safer jurisdiction for everybody.”

ACP Albert Charlery: A Commitment to Public Safety

For ACP Albert Charlery, his promotion is not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal one. “This is a proud moment for me,” he said, reflecting on the recognition he has received. Charlery, who hails from the vibrant community of Bellevue, thanked his family, the public, and his fellow officers for their continued support throughout his career.

He expressed his commitment to public safety, highlighting the challenges the police force faces, especially in terms of resources and mobility. Despite these obstacles, Charlery assured the public that morale remains high within the force. “We’re very concerned about ensuring the people remain safe throughout the length and breadth of this country,” he affirmed.

A Stronger, Safer Choiseul

The promotions of ACP Defreitas and ACP Charlery are a testament to the hardworking spirit of Choiseul’s people and the value they place on public service. These officers are proud representatives of their communities—La Pointe and Bellevue—and their elevation within the police force not only enhances the leadership within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force but also strengthens the safety and well-being of the entire country.

As both ACPs continue to lead with dedication, their focus remains on improving public safety and reducing crime, working tirelessly to build a safer and more secure St. Lucia for everyone. These promotions serve as a reminder of the importance of community support in every achievement, particularly in the peaceful, resilient communities of Choiseul.

Justice for the Betrayed: A Victim Relief Fund Paid by Negligent Officials

The recent collapse of the Creators Alliance Ponzi scheme has left countless St. Lucians devastated, their savings drained by yet another fraudulent investment operation. While blame has been cast on the perpetrators, there’s an equally pressing question that remains unanswered: How did regulatory and financial oversight bodies allow this to happen?

For too long, negligence among officials and financial regulators has created an environment where scams flourish, preying on hardworking citizens who trust in systems meant to protect them. A bold solution is needed—one that not only compensates the victims but also ensures accountability among those who failed in their duties.

A Victim Relief Fund: Turning Negligence into Justice

One viable approach is the establishment of a Victim Relief Fund, financed not by taxpayers, but by penalties imposed on negligent officials and institutions that failed to act against the scam. This fund would serve as direct compensation to victims, restoring a portion of their lost savings while reinforcing a culture of responsibility among those in positions of power.

How It Would Work

1. Investigation & Accountability – A thorough inquiry into the Creators Alliance Ponzi scheme must be conducted to identify regulatory lapses. Officials who ignored red flags or failed to act on complaints should be held accountable.
2. Fines & Penalties – Those found negligent—whether government agencies, financial watchdogs, or private institutions—should be subjected to hefty fines. These penalties would be directly funneled into the Victim Relief Fund.
3. Structured Payouts – Victims would receive compensation based on their level of financial loss, prioritizing those who suffered the greatest impact.
4. Preventative Measures – A portion of the fund could also be allocated towards public awareness campaigns and stronger financial regulations to prevent future schemes.

Holding the Right People Responsible

The burden of restitution should not fall solely on the fraudsters, many of whom will disappear or lack sufficient assets to repay victims. Instead, those entrusted with financial oversight must be held to higher standards. If financial regulators, banks, or government officials failed in their duty to investigate and warn the public, they should bear the cost of their negligence.

A Step Towards True Financial Protection

The Creators Alliance scandal is not just a cautionary tale—it is a wake-up call. If St. Lucia wants to protect its citizens from future scams, the system must change. A Victim Relief Fund financed by penalties against negligent officials is not just a fair solution; it is a necessary one. Only when those in power understand the financial consequences of their failures will they truly commit to protecting the people they serve.

Creators Alliance Scandal: How St. Lucia’s Government Enabled a Caribbean-Wide Ponzi Scheme

Introduction  

In a stark betrayal of public trust, the St. Lucian government stands accused of complicity in one of the Caribbean’s most devastating financial scams. By granting an official license to Creators Alliance — a now-exposed Ponzi scheme—the authorities lent credibility to a operation that defrauded tens of thousands across the region.

This article dissects the collapse of Creators Alliance and condemns the systemic failures that allowed it to thrive under the guise of legitimacy.

The Illusion of Legitimacy  

Creators Alliance (CA) masqueraded as an innovative platform, promising “easy income” through video-watching tasks and high-return investments. Its success hinged on a carefully crafted image: glossy advertisements, fake offices, and crucially, a government-issued business certification in St. Lucia. This seal of approval disarmed skeptics, enabling CA to infiltrate communities in St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and beyond.  

As one victim recounted, “They did everything to gain trust—posters, offices, even government certification. We thought, ‘How could our own leaders endorse a scam?’” Tragically, this trust was weaponized. The St. Lucian government’s licensing became a marketing tool for CA, emboldening them to push aggressive recruitment drives, including family package deals and pressure to “upgrade” investments.

The Collapse—and the Government’s Deafening Silence 

By March 2025, withdrawal delays began. CA blamed tax filings, dangling “double pay” incentives to pacify users. Meanwhile, a compulsory strike-off notice from the UK’s Companies House (dated March 24, 2025) revealed CA’s impending dissolution—a fact ignored by St. Lucian regulators.  

While CA’s UK entity faced liquidation, its Caribbean operations continued unabated. Admins deleted WhatsApp groups on April 2, 2025, vanishing with millions. Victims, including those who took bank loans or merged life savings into CA’s wallets, were left destitute. “I’m lucky I only lost a little,” one victim admitted. “Others bet everything.”  

Regulatory Negligence: A Government’s Failure to Protect 

The St. Lucian government’s role in this crisis cannot be overstated. By certifying CA without rigorous oversight, officials failed to heed glaring red flags:  

1. Missed UK Strike-Off Notice: The impending dissolution of CA’s UK arm was public record by March 2025. No investigation was launched.  

2. Ponzi Structure Ignored: CA’s model—relying on new investments to pay old users—mirrored textbook Ponzi schemes. Yet no audits occurred.  

3. Silence Amid Collapse: As withdrawals froze, authorities stayed mute, allowing CA to exploit their legitimacy until the bitter end.  

This inaction raises disturbing questions. Did regulators willfully turn a blind eye, or is the system so broken that predatory enterprises slip through unchallenged? Either way, the result is the same: a population left to pick up the pieces of a scam sanctioned by their own government.

Aftermath: Lives Ruined, Trust Shattered  

The human toll is staggering. Families face bankruptcy, retirees have lost savings, and small business owners are buried under debt. Beyond financial ruin, the psychological scars of betrayal cut deep. “We believed our leaders had our backs,” a Grenadian victim lamented. “Now we see they served us up to scammers.”  

A Call for Accountability and Reform 

TheCreators Alliance scandal must catalyze change. The St. Lucian government owes its citizens:  

- Transparency: A public inquiry into how CA was licensed.  

- Compensation: A victim relief fund, financed by penalties against negligent officials.   

- Regulatory Overhaul: Stricter vetting for licensed businesses and real-time monitoring of international filings.  

To Caribbean citizens: Demand accountability. To global regulators: Treat this as a warning. Ponzi schemes evolve, but their greatest weapon remains the same—government complacency.  

Final Words  

The Creators Alliance debacle is more than a scam—it’s a indictment of failed leadership. When governments prioritize bureaucratic ease over citizen protection, the consequences are catastrophic. St. Lucia’s authorities must now choose: Will they shield the vulnerable, or remain enablers of exploitation? The Caribbean—and the world—is watching.

Fair Debate or Political Maneuvering? Examining the Opposition Leader’s Right to a Final Rebuttal in Parliament!

The situation which arose in the parliament last week raises important questions about parliamentary fairness, democratic norms, and the balance of power in a heavily one-sided legislature.

The Government’s Perspective

From the government's standpoint, the Prime Minister and Speaker of the House followed procedural rules. If no government MP indicated their intent to speak, and the leader of the opposition had not yet been called upon, the Prime Minister had the right to move to close the debate. The government, with its overwhelming 15-2 majority, may argue that allowing the opposition leader to always have the final say would be an unusual precedent that could undermine the government's authority over legislative proceedings.

They could also argue that parliamentary debate is not structured in a way that guarantees the opposition leader a final response. Traditionally, speakers are called in an alternating fashion, with no explicit rule stating the opposition leader must go last. If such a privilege were to be granted, it could require formal changes to standing orders rather than being decided on a case-by-case basis.

The Opposition’s Perspective

On the other hand, the opposition leader’s request is rooted in democratic fairness and the principle of meaningful debate. Given that the government dominates the chamber with a 15-2 majority, allowing the opposition leader to respond comprehensively after all government MPs have spoken would ensure that counterarguments are fully addressed.

In a democratic system, robust debate is essential. If the government chooses when to end a debate, particularly in a scenario where senior government MPs had not yet spoken but also had not declined to speak, it raises concerns of strategic maneuvering rather than true parliamentary dialogue. The perception could be that the government cut off debate to prevent the opposition from offering a strong rebuttal.

Additionally, parliamentary debates are meant to inform the public, not just the chamber. In a system where one party holds overwhelming power, giving the opposition leader the opportunity to address all government arguments ensures that alternative viewpoints are properly aired.

How the story unfolded: https://youtu.be/fo_V1RRVjt8?si=p8MxuA8m6Pei2vlP

A Balanced Conclusion

Procedurally, the Prime Minister had the authority to close the debate. However, in the spirit of democracy and fairness, the opposition leader’s request is reasonable and should be considered in future sittings. A compromise could be formalizing a rule allowing the leader of the opposition the final rebuttal if they request it, particularly when the government has a strong majority.

This would not disrupt parliamentary procedures but would instead strengthen democratic debate and accountability. The ruling party should recognize that maintaining a healthy democracy means allowing the opposition to challenge its arguments effectively—especially in a lopsided parliament where government voices already dominate the discussion.

SAINT LUCIA CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX (CPI) TRENDS (2012 - 2024): A DECLINING SCORE AND RECENT RECOVERY

Understanding the CPI Rankings

Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. A higher ranking (closer to 100) indicates better governance and lower corruption, while a lower ranking suggests higher corruption levels and governance concerns.

Key Observations from 2012-2024

2012 - 2015: Strong Anti-Corruption Standing

From 2012 to 2015, the country maintained a strong position, ranking above 70. This suggests a period of relatively low corruption, strong governance, and effective anti-corruption policies.

2016: Sharp Drop in Ranking

In 2016, the country experienced a dramatic fall in its CPI ranking, moving from above 70 down to around 55. This suggests a major increase in perceived corruption. Possible reasons could include:

Political scandals or revelations of corruption in government institutions.

Weakening of anti-corruption agencies or legal oversight.

Policy shifts that allowed more corruption-friendly practices.

2017 - 2022: Period of Stagnation at a Lower Rank

After the drop, the ranking remains in the mid-50s for several years, indicating that corruption perceptions did not improve significantly. This could mean:

Ongoing governance issues and a lack of accountability.

Failure to implement effective anti-corruption measures.

Public distrust in institutions remaining high.

2023 - 2024: Signs of Improvement

The ranking improves slightly in 2023 and 2024, suggesting that governance reforms or anti-corruption efforts are starting to show results. This could be due to:

Stronger anti-corruption policies being enforced.

Changes in government leadership with a renewed focus on transparency.

Increased public pressure leading to reforms.

What This Means

The early years (2012-2015) showed strong anti-corruption efforts.

The sharp decline in 2016 suggests a turning point where corruption became a bigger issue.

The stagnation period (2017-2022) indicates a struggle to recover from corruption challenges.

The recent improvements (2023-2024) offer hope for better governance.

Conclusion: A Call for Continued Anti-Corruption Efforts

While the recent uptick is promising, the country is still far from its earlier high rankings. To sustain improvements, authorities must:

Strengthen anti-corruption institutions.

Increase transparency and accountability in government spending.

Encourage public participation and whistleblower protections.

The future of corruption perception in this country will depend on how well these efforts are maintained.

Author's Note - Source: https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/saint-lucia

Meshach: A Son of Choiseul, A Voice for the People

Meshach Nestor’s name is once again making waves in the Caribbean and among the diaspora. With three newly released singles, - Baby I Love You, Night Life, and Work it Out, his signature reggae sound—rich in soul, depth, and positive vibrations—is capturing hearts far and wide. But as his music reaches new heights, it is important to remind the public of where it all began.

Choiseul Roots: The Making of a Musician

Born in La Fargue, Choiseul, Meshach’s journey into music was as organic as the lush hills of his hometown. He grew up in a household where music was more than just entertainment—it was a way of life. His father, Francis, aka Chappy, was a master guitarist who could compose songs on the spot, and his mother, Raymonise, played the chakchak and sang in a band. It was no surprise that Meshach and his two brothers, Niger and Ronald, would follow suit.

From childhood, Meshach was already composing his own melodies—whether singing on errands or experimenting with makeshift instruments made from milk can lids and fishing lines. Choiseul’s vibrant cultural scene further fueled his passion, with community events and “blockos” providing a steady rhythm to his early years.

A Dream Delayed, A Calling Realized

Despite his musical passion, Meshach’s life took unexpected turns. After his brother Ronald’s untimely passing, the family—and the music—suffered a deep loss. Niger moved to Castries to join LapoKabwit, while Meshach remained in Choiseul, later teaming up with his friend Sabby to form the band San Nou.

At 19, Meshach attempted to join the police force but didn’t make the cut. Instead, he found himself working in the hospitality industry, first at Couples Hotel and later at Le Sport, where he developed his social skills and confidence. Despite excelling in this field, the call of music never faded. When the Gulf War of 1991 impacted St. Lucia’s tourism industry and cost him his job, he returned to Choiseul and took up farming—using the time to reconnect with his first love: music.

Wevolusion: The Rise of a Musical Force

It was during this reflective period that Meshach wrote his first song, Gather Children, followed by Hail. In 1999, he recorded them with producer Adam Gilmore, and together with Niger, they formed the band Wevolusion in tribute to their late brother Ronald’s dream of a musical revolution. Their music resonated deeply, leading to performances across Martinique, Barbados, and Dominica.

In 2002, Meshach released his debut album, Awake, featuring conscious hits like Everlivin’, New Dreams, and Burnin’. The album solidified his reputation as a messenger of truth and positivity, pushing back against the tide of negative influences in the music industry.

A Legacy of Powerful Music

Since his debut, Meshach has released a number of singles that continue to make an impact. Songs such as World Peace, Stay Out of Trouble, Free up Your Body and Save Your Soul, Police Officer, Babylon Burning, Do Good, and No Retreat No Surrender all showcase his commitment to social consciousness, unity, and positive change. His work has earned him a feature on the compilation CD Blessed, produced by CRS Music in Barbados.

In 2016, Meshach released his second album, No Retreat, which featured some of his most powerful tracks, including Stay Out of Trouble and World Peace. The music videos for these songs can be viewed on YouTube. Continuing to evolve as an artist, Meshach released a remix of World Peace in 2022, available in both audio and video formats. Another standout hit, Mr. Greedy Joe, from his Awake album, became a #1 hit and is also available for viewing on YouTube.

A Voice for Unity and Peace

Beyond the stage, Meshach has dedicated himself to using his music as a force for social change. His song Stay Out of Trouble speaks directly to the youth, urging them to embrace peace and reject violence. His influence extends to schools, where he shares messages of love, unity, and self-respect.

Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, Meshach has never lost sight of his mission. His performance at the 2015 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, alongside Beres Hammond and Krosfyah, was a career highlight. However, the struggle for resources and exposure remains a challenge. Yet, through it all, he remains unwavering in his commitment to music, culture, and community.

The Journey Continues…

With his latest singles making an impact, Meshach is proving that his music still carries the fire of revolution. But even as his voice reaches new audiences, he remains rooted in Choiseul—the place that shaped him, inspired him, and continues to fuel his artistic journey.

Meshach Nestor is more than a musician; he is a cultural ambassador, a voice for the people, and a proud son of the soil. His story reminds us that no matter how far we go, we must never forget where we come from.