The recent truckers’ strike at Port Castries has once again exposed a harsh reality that residents of St. Lucia’s South have endured for far too long: decades of disregard and unfulfilled promises by St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administrations, particularly under the long-standing influence of Kenny Anthony.
For nearly three decades, Kenny Anthony has served as the parliamentary representative for Vieux-Fort South, including 15 years as Prime Minister. Yet, during this extensive period, the South has been left behind—sidelined in favour of the bustling and congested northern region. Despite possessing unique advantages—a strategic location, a seaport, the island’s international airport, abundant land, and a resilient workforce—the South remains overlooked and underdeveloped.
The signs of neglect are unmistakable. Vital development projects that could have revitalized the region have been stalled or abandoned. The proposed cruise home port, which could have positioned Vieux-Fort as a key tourism destination, remains unrealized. The modernization of Hewanorra International Airport, a critical gateway for economic growth, has been indefinitely postponed. The construction of a new, climate-resilient St. Jude Hospital, essential for improving healthcare access, has been shelved. These initiatives promised thousands of jobs and economic renewal, yet they sit dormant under the current administration.
The neglect extends beyond stalled projects. Infrastructure critical to commerce has been allowed to deteriorate. The cargo crane at Port Vieux-Fort—known locally as “Blue Boy”—was dismantled for parts to keep equipment running at Port Castries. This is not merely a failure of maintenance; it symbolizes a broader disregard for the South’s economic potential and the livelihoods of its people.
This neglect has directly contributed to the recent truckers’ strike, which disrupted the national supply chain and economy. If the government had prioritized repairs and maintenance at Port Vieux-Fort, this crisis might have been averted. Instead, the port remains underused, while Port Castries struggles with congestion and inefficiency.
The social consequences are equally troubling. According to the latest government statistics, Vieux-Fort’s unemployment rate stands at approximately 28%, significantly higher than the national average of 18%. Youth unemployment in the area is even more alarming, estimated at over 50%. The loss of jobs at Port Vieux-Fort, particularly among stevedores, has been a significant factor in the rise of crime that has cast a shadow over the town in recent years. Reports from local law enforcement indicate a 30% increase in property crimes and violent incidents in Vieux-Fort over the past three years, correlating with the economic downturn.
The lack of economic opportunities fuels social challenges that successive SLP governments have failed to address adequately. Instead of meaningful investment, the South’s people have been treated as a political afterthought, receiving occasional gestures but little substantive support.
It is evident that Dr. Kenny Anthony, Alva Baptiste and Moses Jun Baptiste and their administration have taken the loyalty of the South’s residents for granted, offering superficial gestures while withholding the development and investment they deserve. This pattern of neglect is not new, but it has reached a critical point.
The people of Vieux-Fort and the South deserve a government that recognizes their contributions and commits to their future. The era of neglect must end. The South’s future should not be compromised by political convenience or empty promises. It is time for decisive action, genuine investment, and leadership that delivers. Kenny Anthony’s legacy of oversight must be replaced with a new chapter of inclusive and balanced development.