At a public gathering held in Dennery, last Sunday, the United Workers Party (UWP) introduced five new candidates for the 2026 general election.
The UWP has endorsed Elisha Norbert, Bradley Fulgence, Leanna Johannes, Marcella Johnson, and Laura Jn Pierre-Noel.
Elisha Norbert, the UWP candidate for Micoud North, has committed to prioritising Saint Lucia.
He pointed out that there’s “too much focus on winning the next election and not making the lives of people who are already here better – I will not be dragged into the dirt.”
In 2021, he stated, “[The] SLP wanted me to go up, but I was not interested in politics…So my cousin [Jeremiah Norbert, parliamentary representative for Micoud North] went up.”
However, he assured followers, “Jeremiah is not my enemy.”
The Micoud Candidate, a teacher, farmer, sports coach, and entrepreneur, expressed gratitude to the political leader for allowing him to “speak the truth”.
“I want to thank the… political leader for giving me an opportunity to speak the truth… he knows [in] my heart [it’s] all about country,” the Micoud North Candidate stated.
Laura Jn Pierre-Noel (representing Laborie/Augier) has promised to take a fresh approach.
“The aura of change has arrived,” she declared.
“For years I have worked tirelessly whether [it’s] alongside my parents… through my service in church, my advocacy for women’s rights or my fight for sustainable development and climate resilience with my husband. I was born for this,” she emphasised.
“As an entrepreneur, my company has built solutions for [a] smarter stronger future [and] as a voice in media I have spoken truth to power never backing down when… people needed a champion… I’m not a politician; I’m just a woman who cares,” Jn Pierre-Noel, a former talk show host, said.
“We are breaking the chains of stagnation… my love for my community runs deep, and it is that love that fuels my commitment to serve you – not just as a leader, but as your sister, neighbour and as your fellow dreamer,” she added.
Marcella Johnson (who has been confirmed for Gros Islet) told supporters she can relate to their struggles.
“My journey started… in Marchand… I know what it means to work hard, sacrifice, and hope for something better. I carry… the lessons of my upbringing… and the dreams of every young girl or boy who [do] not see hope of a brighter future because of their financial circumstances,” Johnson stated.
“My parents… taught me some of the most important lessons… they believed in the power of education, not just as a path to success, but as a tool to break the barriers of poverty and dependency,” she said ardently.
Moreover, Johnson added, “I… stand before you today, not just as a candidate but as one of you: A mother, a daughter… [and] a woman of action; someone who truly believes that the best days of Saint Lucia are ahead of us. I… will not accept the status quo but will be a champion for the people of Gros Islet and the whole of Saint Lucia.”
Leanna Johannes (or “Lady Lee” of Hot FM) will represent Vieux Fort South.
“All the people here tonight show that we have a fighting chance, and we are going to bring the seat home to the United Workers Party,” she told the crowd.
“I offer and pledge myself as an instrument that would bridge the division,” Johannes claimed.
Bradley Marcelle Fulgence (the UWP’s candidate for Dennery North) is hoping to improve the community.
“I have heard your complaints and… I have lived it myself,” he stated.
“Thank you for placing your confidence and trust in me to rescue you from the perils of a divided Mabouya Valley [and] to protect you from any form of victimisation,” he asserted.
Opposition Leader, Allen Chastanet, said each of the candidates brings a deep commitment to change.
“These five future leaders embody the UWP’s mission to restore hope, empower communities and rebuild Saint Lucia. They are ready to stand with you, work for you and fight for a better tomorrow for you,” he said in a post on Facebook.
The UWP has unveiled 12 candidates thus far – Rosh Clarke (Castries Central), Peter Chiquot (Castries East) Guy Joseph (Castries South East), Dominic Fedee (Anse La Raye/Canaries), Bradly Felix (Choiseul/Saltibus), Herod Stanislas (Soufriere/Fond St Jacques), Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet (Micoud South) and those previously mentioned.
Five more candidates will be announced at a later date.