Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet has pledged to “finish St Jude Hospital once and for all,” promising that a future United Workers Party (UWP) administration would finally bring the long-delayed medical facility into full operation.
His remarks came during a nationally broadcast address on November 10, one day after Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced that general elections would be held on December 1.
Chastanet opened with a blistering critique of the current administration, accusing the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government of “betrayal, corruption, and neglect.” He took particular aim at Pierre’s recent statement that the St Jude Hospital was “completed,” calling it misleading.
“Why, after four years, is St Jude still a building and not a functioning hospital? Why does the Prime Minister think ribbon-cuttings and opening ceremonies will satisfy the people? No ceremony can treat a patient or save a life,” Chastanet asserted.
The opposition leader contrasted his record with that of the current government, highlighting several of his administration’s past initiatives, including a 2.5 percent VAT reduction, the commissioning of the OKEU Hospital, and infrastructure and employment investments.
“Compare our record of delivery with the last four years of the Labour administration. Life has only become harder for everyday Saint Lucians,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chastanet outlined several priority policies the UWP would implement if returned to power. Among them were a National Health Insurance plan, free tertiary education at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, a Youth Start-Up Grant Programme, and a Mortgage Guarantee Scheme aimed at improving access to homeownership.
He also made commitments to public sector employees, promising job security, the regularization of temporary positions, and annual bonuses through structured dialogue with unions.
“A UWP government will make good on its word to protect and reward civil servants. We will make positions permanent and ensure that workers can count on a Christmas bonus every single year,” Chastanet said.
Concluding his address, he issued a rallying call to voters ahead of the polls.
“Choose renewal. Choose progress. Choose the United Workers Party—because Saint Lucians deserve better,” he declared.