Current St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) narrative almost suggests that United Workers Party (UWP) members are leaving in droves to join the ranks of the SLP under the leadership of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The SLP leader himself has, on numerous occasions, alluded to key figures in the UWP making the move to the other side.
Only recently Edmund Estephane, a longtime member of the UWP, walked onto an SLP platform and stripped off his white shirt in dramatic fashion to expose his red long sleeve shirt, seemingly signaling the crossing of political party lines.
Estephane, a former UWP parliamentary representative for Dennery South and Minister of Youth Development and Sports until the last general election, appeared in support of his brother John Paul Estephane who is contesting the Babonneau seat for the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party. Following his pronouncements on the SLP stage alongside the full slate of SLP candidates Estephane spoke on the issue, reiterating that his appearance was in support of his brother.
Only last week another party stalwart former Speaker of the House and Acting UWP Chairman Andy Daniel, also appeared on behalf of the Babonneau hopeful at a public meeting in the constituency.
Daniel, who is also said to be another sibling, has since made known his disdain for UWP leader Allen Chastanet. In February of 2023 Daniel tendered his resignation as chairman with immediate effect signaling his fallout with the party. In the past year, a few notable names have been reportedly straddling the fences of the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party however none has been as pronounced as the Estaphane family.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has meanwhile suggested that there are more high profile UWPs who are set to join, or at least, throw their support behind the SLP ahead of the December 1st General Elections. Judging from his pronouncements, at least one big UWP name will capture the spotlight, a game of wait and see, before the country heads to the polls next month.