The newly elected President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Mr. Nicholas Barnard, has issued a strong and positive message to the electorate, expressing confidence that Saint Lucians will once again uphold the nation’s proud tradition of free, calm, and dignified General Elections.
Mr. Barnard, Managing Director of St. Lucia Linens, was elected by acclamation at the Chamber’s 141st Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Harbor Club. He assumes leadership of the 141-year-old national private sector institution at a pivotal moment, with membership on the rise and the Chamber continuing its recovery and strengthening following the operational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commenting on the upcoming General Elections, Mr. Barnard emphasized that the right to vote was not secured without sacrifice and struggle and must therefore be treated with seriousness and respect.
“Voting is more than a right; it is a responsibility. It must be exercised wisely, peacefully, and strictly in accordance with the law. The manner in which we conduct ourselves before, during, and after Election Day speaks volumes about who we are as a people and as a nation.”
Mr. Barnard also reiterated the Chamber’s expectation that its members, as responsible employers, will continue their longstanding practice of facilitating employees’ participation in the electoral process by providing the legally required time off to vote.
He further noted that the Chamber has issued its traditional pre-election statement calling on all stakeholders—political parties, candidates, electoral officials, supporters, and voters alike—to conduct themselves with integrity, restraint, and respect for the rule of law. A peaceful and orderly electoral process, he said, is essential to public confidence, economic stability, and national cohesion.
In closing, Mr. Barnard urged all Saint Lucians to accept the final outcome of the polls calmly and lawfully.