Saint Lucia is under siege—not from foreign enemies, but by divisive politics threatening to tear apart our social fabric. Since Allen Chastanet entered politics in 2011, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has deliberately exploited race as a tool to divide citizens and distract from their governance failures.
Our national flag vividly symbolizes the racial diversity and unity of our people. The striking black and white triangles represent the harmonious living of black and white races on the island. This emblem stands as a powerful reminder of our collective identity and shared hope for peace. These ideals are deeply embedded in our Constitution. Section 1 guarantees fundamental rights to all, regardless of race, origin, political belief, color, creed, or sex. Section 13 further bars any law or authority from discrimination on these grounds, reaffirming that all forms of discrimination, including against Caucasians, are unacceptable and unlawful.
Today, the SLP fans the flames of racial division to maintain their grip on power, putting political gain above our unity, economy, and reputation as a welcoming destination for tourists and investors worldwide.
This divisive tactic escalated recently when Minister of Housing Richard Frederick, in a statement to the House of Parliament on October 28th, 2025, insinuated that Allen Chastanet belonged to the group who enslaved and flogged Black people in Saint Lucia and warned that Chastanet now seeks to return to government to continue such oppression. This incendiary accusation weaponizes deep historical wounds to inflame racial and political division, distracting from real governance issues. This exemplifies the SLP’s calculated tactic of using race as a political weapon to maintain power by sowing fear and mistrust. Such rhetoric is profoundly harmful and reveals the dangerous hypocrisy of leaders who publicly invoke unity while advancing divisive strategies for their political gain.
Saint Lucia’s population is predominantly black—85 percent—while whites make up less than 1 percent. Given this reality, the SLP’s injection of race into politics is a cold, calculated strategy to manipulate and divide. Such divisiveness has no place in our politics and betrays the spirit of unity central to our identity.
Consider former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, of mixed heritage, along with icons like Barack Obama, Bob Marley, and respected SLP leader Dr. Kenny D. Anthony. While the SLP proudly celebrates Obama, Marley, and Anthony as “Black,” it paradoxically insists on labeling Chastanet as “White.” This manufactured distinction is used to politically marginalize him, exposing the hypocrisy and callousness of the SLP’s racial politics, which exploit divisions while ignoring the inclusive St. Lucian identity embodied by many.
The current SLP administration under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre compounds these divisions with a poor governance record. The economy struggles, public debt rises, key infrastructure projects face costly delays, violent crime has surged with over 230 murders in three years, healthcare is deteriorating, and corruption allegations in programs like Citizenship by Investment remain unresolved. Broken promises and neglect mar this administration’s tenure.
While Prime Minister Pierre publicly calls for unity and denounces division—as seen in his recent Emancipation Day address urging “the progressive spirit of unity and love”—his administration, alongside key ministers, faces serious accusations of fostering racial division for political gain. This glaring contradiction undermines the credibility of his calls for cohesion and highlights a disturbing pattern of using race cynically to distract from governance failures. Exposing such hypocrisy is essential to holding leaders accountable and reclaiming the true spirit of unity Saint Lucia deserves.
Unable to run credibly on their record, the SLP resorts to racial division as a cynical distraction—sowing discord to divide and rule. This reckless approach threatens our social and economic future.
Saint Lucia’s economy depends heavily on tourism—over 60% of GDP—and foreign investment from countries committed to fighting racism, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Racial politics endanger these lifelines, weaken national unity, and hinder economic stability.
The cost of racial division is profound—breeding mistrust and fragmenting a nation whose strength lies in diversity, forged through centuries of shared history and resilience. As Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison said, “The function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from confronting the real issues.” Misinformation and racial fear-mongering only deepen wounds and divert attention from pressing challenges. Critical evaluation of political claims and a commitment to truth are essential to heal and move forward.
Saint Lucia’s future depends on rejecting racial distraction and focusing on good governance, fair development, and leadership that embraces all citizens. This vision has been echoed in our national celebrations like the 45th Independence anniversary themed “Douvan Ansanm: Building a Nation Through Unity, Resilience and Creativity,” which called on all Saint Lucians to unite in building an equitable and inclusive country.
With general elections expected by mid-2026, the choice is clear: Saint Lucians must reject proponents of racism and division. Let us vote for unity, integrity, and progress—not cynical politics that pit us against each other for short-term gain.
Our nation deserves leaders who see beyond race to the shared humanity that unites us. Let us build a Saint Lucia where diversity is celebrated, justice prevails, and progress is assured for all.
Racism has no place in our politics, our economy, or our nation’s pride.