As we navigate the turbulent waters of our nation’s politics, it is crucial that we come together, united by the principles that define us as a people. We must foster an environment that celebrates love, togetherness, and respect, rather than allowing hate, division, and intolerance to take hold.
Unfortunately, the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has recently embarked on a troubling campaign rooted in division and fear. They seek to exploit our differences, driving a wedge between us and undermining the very fabric of our society. This tactic is not only an affront to our collective spirit but also a contradiction to the ideals that have shaped our nation.
I want to take a moment to address a grave injustice: the treatment of Allen Chastanet, our Leader of the Opposition. As a man of mixed race, Allen has become a victim of the very racism that the SLP claims to condemn. Instead of embracing diversity, they have chosen to exploit his light complexion, twisting it into a weapon against him. This is a malicious attempt to associate him with the painful legacies of slavery and colonialism, solely to advance their political interests.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so eloquently stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We must stand together against this injustice, rejecting the notion that one’s skin colour defines their character or integrity. It is the content of one’s heart and actions that truly matter.
Racism has no place in our society, and we must collectively denounce the SLP’s divisive messaging. We must uphold the principles of right and wrong, embracing our differences as a strength rather than allowing them to divide us. Let us foster understanding, collaboration, and mutual respect, working together towards the common goals of nation-building and progress for all.
As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” The SLP has failed to make a meaningful difference for our people during its three and a half years in office, instead leaving behind a trail of unfulfilled promises and a widening gap between the powerful elites, (the rich) and hardworking citizens, (the poor.)
With fewer than two years left in power, the SLP is desperate to cling to power at any cost, using division and fear to distract us from their lack of tangible results. But we will not be fooled. We will not let their desperate attempts to incite division and fear-mongering divert us from the fact that they have failed us.
As Maya Angelou so beautifully put it, “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity, there is beauty and there is strength.” We must teach our younger generations that our strength lies not in our differences, but in our unity.
Now, more than ever, our collective voice must rise above the despicable rhetoric of division. We can and must build a society rooted in love, mutual respect, and unwavering support for one another. We must reject the SLP’s attempts to cling to power at any cost and instead forge ahead, united in our shared commitment to building a brighter future for all Saint Lucians – a future that celebrates dignity, compassion, and collaboration.
Thank you for standing strong with the principles that unite us. Let us continue to champion love over hate, unity over division, and right over wrong, as we work together to build a nation that celebrates every individual and recognises the value each of us brings to the tapestry of Saint Lucia.