Thousands gathered at the Recreation Park in Vieux Fort for what is considered one of the largest political showings in recent memory: the launching of Danny Butcher for the Vieux Fort South seat.
Butcher replaces Dr. Kenny Anthony who decided to bow out of elective politics earlier this year. Dr. Anthony, since coming into elective politics in 1997, had never lost his grip on the Vieux Fort constituency.
Sunday’s launching brought together St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) supporters from across the island.
According to party chairman and Vieux Fort North constituency representative Moses “Musa” Jn Baptiste, Sunday’s event was a huge statement for the SLP leading up to the next general elections. “I think the people of St. Lucia are excited. I know the people of St. Lucia have benefited from the policies of the St. Lucia Labour Party, whether you are a child, an infant, a senior citizen, a retiree, a public servant; the investment is impacting the people and that’s why you see such excitement.” The Vieux Fort North MP is sure that the party is ready from the next elections but says the work has to continue. “I get the impression that the people of St. Lucia are saying to the government that they are ready to vote, and we are not taking anyone for granted. We are on the ground, going house to house, to ensure that we explain the policies even further, and to let them know that we have even more in store come the next term of Philip J. Pierre.”
The launching of Danny Butcher was described as a symbolic passing of the baton in the Vieux Fort South constituency, an occasion rarely experienced in local politics. Dr. Anthony, speaking back in May 2025 when He announced his departure from elective politics, made it extremely clear that he had no part to play in the selection process saying “The choice of a candidate is a decision that belongs to the Saint Lucia Labour Party.” The Former Prime Minister, who highlighted back in May that He “remain a great believer in run-offs,” had high praise for Butcher, rejecting the notion that the Vieux Fort South hopeful was a newcomer to the political scene. “In the last general election, he served as my campaign manager. I won that election by the largest margin ever since 1997. Danny, as campaign manager, together with many others, would have contributed to that enormously, satisfying victory.
On election day, I recall Danny being the first to unlock the campaign office, steady with purpose ensuring all our volunteers were briefed and dispatched. He checked in with each polling agent and stayed past the closing of the polls collecting reports and addressing the needs of our volunteers. His unwavering loyalty and commitment didn’t just assist our victory, but inspired it. I have heard him say that he learnt ‘processes’ from me. As a campaign manager, he clearly showed he is a good student.”
Butcher for his part, after having received a massive welcome from supporters, proceeded to lay out his plans for the constituency, but not before addressing the reason for joining the SLP. “Every time I am asked the question, why I chose the St. Lucia Labour
Party, the words of a former UWP Prime Minister Dr. Vaughn Lewis comes to my mind. He too was asked why did he switch from the United Workers Party and joined the St. Lucia Labour Party. Dr. Vaughn Lewis said, I chose the St. Lucia Labour Party because the substance of governance is on this side.”
Butcher went on to speak about the Youth Economy and its benefits to the young people in Vieux Fort, benefits to fishermen, the construction of the much talked about administrative center, a beach park facility, a vendor’s market, a minibus terminal and improving the road network among others.
The Hewanorra redevelopment project and the Vieux Fort Seaport were briefly addressed along with the St. Jude’s Hospital opening.