WITH what measure does a country evaluate its developmental progress?
Albeit, developmental progress comes in various forms and wide dimensions in the country. Development encompasses different areas of: socio-economics, education, human resources and job skills, health, infrastructure, housing, commerce, agriculture, arts and culture, and other major and minor facets of the country.
Over the years, Saint Lucia has transitioned from a former British colony to an independent nation. And though the rudiments were in place for that transition, in 1979, it was met with ‘strife and discord’. The island took the giant leap towards charting its own course in the wider world.
At the time, the United Workers Party (UWP) under the leadership of the ‘Father of the Nation’, the former Sir John Compton, a lawyer by profession and an avid agriculturist. Sir John was also gifted with an ‘engineering brain’ and his accomplishments were the Roseau Dam, John Compton Highway, the controversial Rodney Bay Marina development, the Pigeon Point Causeway and other such growth.
On the back of much civil and public dissent, following the 22nd February Independence declaration – the UWP was booted out of office in May of that year and in entered the main opposition St Lucia Labour Party (SLP).
The SLP’s stay in office was short-lived amid issues of internal divisions bordering on a ‘leadership struggle’ that has been documented for posterity, so the younger generation can revisit. In an unprecedented and unfortunate turn of events, after a two-and a half year stint, the SLP with its slogan: ‘Bread, Justice and Freedom’ was ‘unceremoniously’ booted out of office and the UWP reemerged to grab onto the reins of power, again.
Nevertheless, in 1997, the SLP would rise up again, and at full strength would go onto a resounding victory, to get rid of the UWP by a whopping 16 to 1 margin.
The SLP defines its two-term tenure from 1997 to 2016 – as producing more academic institutions, health facilities, correctional facilities, tourism development projects, other infrastructural expansions, and also social programmes.
On the other hand, the UWPs claimed to have addressed the daily ‘bread and butter’ issues affecting the common folks and facilitating national infrastructure projects.
Throughout all of these political occurrences, what stands out as most striking is that – between 2006 to 2021, Saint Lucians have voted four administrations into power – and now, once again, the SLP holds the reins of power.
Political squabbles and harsh criticisms have been the ‘order of the day’ on opposing sides of the political fence.
Take for the instance, the tenure of UWP Political Leader Allen Chastanet as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia from 2016 to 2021.
It was characterized by quite a few uncompleted infrastructural projects, questionable contracts granted for major road projects and criticisms regarding the mismanagement of state funds some of which has yet to be accounted for.
And while in opposition, the SLP was relentless in its attacks on the government of the day. More so, during the UWP regime’s fourth year or so in office, the SLP presented a motion of ‘No Confidence’ in the government.
However, despite some speculations of a ‘fallout’ in the UWP’s camp to bring down the government, the matter petered out when it was raised in the lower house.
Take into context, the SLP’s reign, which is now into its third year. The opposition UWP has canvassed to ‘bring down the government’ through a series of ‘Town Hall’ meetings and demonstrations across the country. In the latest protest march, on November 30, UWP supporters agitated even more for the government to head back to the polls with a UWP firebrand demanding that the government call ‘early’ general elections before Independence celebrations, next February.
Can this be termed as an issue of ‘What’s good for the Goose is good for the Gander’?
The UWP has also taken the government to task, over some major issues, such as the Global Ports Holding (GPH) project that is set to upgrade sea ports in Castries and Soufriere.
While the opposition says that the government is ‘selling out the country’ to a foreign entity; government states that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement was negotiated with the best interests of the country, at heart.
The citizenry has witnessed a pattern of ‘revolving door’ politics over the past decade and more, while opposing sides lay claim to particular aspects of developmental progress in the country.
When the UWP was voted out of office in 2021, out also went the much-touted ‘Pearl of the Caribbean’ project, which was projected to become an envy of the other regional territories. But, then again, so much for that proposed development and the DSH horse track racing project also fell by the wayside.
Taking a deeper perspective into some of the more pressing political issues confronting the nation is the uncompleted rehabilitation of the St Jude Hospital and the Hewanorra International Airport [HIA] Redevelopment Project.
These issues have hung like a noose around the necks of successive governments over the past few years, and may well be a ‘ yardstick’ as to how voters measure the level of progress and development when they next head to the polls.
These are and will remain key issues of national importance that must be resolved speedily, if the government has to accomplish its developmental goals.
Following the pandemic, the country has been beset by many setbacks, mostly emanating from adverse and extenuating global circumstances; which in turn, has given rise to inflation and high costs of living and food prices, and Crime is still a negating factor that government is striving to handle.
And there are several other issues that the populace is aware of. Despite the government’s efforts to roll out more social programmes, including the innovative Youth Economy Agency (YEA) initiative in some areas, there are still talks of despair and in some cases abandonment.
The housing issue is of critical importance to the country, and as well, an effective land development policy. Lately, the Housing Minister disclosed that a residential/ apartment style structure will be constructed in the northern region to accommodate, initially, at least 15 families.
The minister said the project could be duplicated in other communities using the template that has been produced.
Yet, the issue of lower cost housing for the less fortunate and persons on the lower rung of the social ladder is still and will be an issue of concern.
Political pundits will argue that development cannot be measured by t-shirt bearing and flag waving supporters of respective political parties.
Moving forward, Saint Lucians will be weary of the conflicting political views and proposals – and will want to elect to office an administration that is set to working ‘in the best interest of the people’, not just in speaking terms to gain political mileage – but, a regime with foresight that can produce substantial developmental progress within key sectors of the country.