St. Lucia has, over the years, seen what would seem to be an unusual number of individuals who, for various reasons, have traversed both sides of the political corridor and in full coloured costumes. But is it really unusual?
Who could forget the episodes that followed after the now infamous crossing of the floor, which saw the St. Lucia Labour Party {SLP} Laborie candidate, now Sir Emmanuel Neville Cenac, leave the SLP to join John Compton and the United Workers Party {UWP} in June of 1987, following general elections. At the time, by all accounts, Laborie’s SLP supporters thought the move to be treasonous, worthy of serious repercussions.
1987 is long gone and while we have not experienced any move nearly as dramatic, there have been party faithful who have switched allegiance to don the colours of the “ememy.”
Most prominent in recent times that resembles a “crossing” is the move by former UWPs Stepthenson King and Richard Frederick. King was criticized for leaving the UWP in an election year to contest the Castries North seat as an independent candidate while Frederick’s long history at odds with UWP leader Allen Chastanet needs no explanation. Both independent candidates now serve in an SLP cabinet.
There was also the episode with former UWP Prime Minister Vaughn Lewis who, after a crushing 16-1 defeat in 1997, joined forces with the SLP, although some years later, bringing Desmond Brathwaite with him. At about that same time SLP senator Petra Nelson ventured in the other direction to support UWP efforts on the campaign trail.
In recent times the political movement has become more frequent and if not more accepted it definitely has become more palatable.
Mary Polius, a long-time member of the UWP has been vocal in her support for the SLP, last seen on the platform at the launching of Lisa Jawahir in Odsan. John Paul Estaphane who is contesting the Babonneau seat on behalf of the SLP is brother to former UWP Dennery Parliamentary Representative, who has reportedly joined the band.
Then there is former acting UWP Chairman and Former Speaker of the House of Parliament Andy Daniel who only recently, with red shirt on at a Babonneau political meeting, vowed to be a thorn in the side of the UWP political leader.
While there are many more, on both sides, that can be highlighted, the point is made that this has become an exceedingly frequent part of our politics.
Is it good? Is it bad for politics in St. Lucia?
While many may argue that the Cenac move was the worst, particularly because it came after he had secured the votes of the SLP supporters, it does not change the fact that every individual has the innate right to align with any organization of their choosing. Further, because information resonates differently with each individual it is impossible for everyone to be of like mind on the issues.
It is believed that in this new age loyalty has gone out of the window. If this is a truth that has permeated into the political system, then St. Lucians can look forward to many more slides across the political dancefloor, particularly when the “silly season” is red hot.