Now that both major political parties in St. Lucia have launched their manifestos St. Lucians have the long-awaited opportunity to compare the promises of the United Workers Party (UWP) and the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP).
The United Workers Party launched its manifesto on Sunday November 23rd amidst controversy over a promise made to the Catholic Church to suspend all political events on that day.
The launching in La Caye Dennery, brought together UWP supporters from almost every constituency producing possibly the largest crowd the party has amassed during this election season, accentuated by appearances from former UWP Babonneau MP Ezekiel Joseph and Micoud North former MP Gail Rigobert.
In its 75 pages of promises, the UWP manifesto seems to have at its core what is called the “Seven SOS Initiatives,” which includes removal of the 2.5% Health and Security Levy, reduction of fuel prices, abolition of the dam dredging, free tertiary education, reintroduction of border control & expansion of the K9 Unit, introduction of pensions for banana farmers and introduction of National Health Insurance coverage.
The La Caye event featured a number of local performers and seemed to have reintroduced the 17 UWP hopefuls for the final time before the December 1st general elections.
The St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) officially launched its manifesto at the Sab Playing Field in Vigie last night. The SLP document, while addressing some 23 areas of proposed development, had a group of seven of their own. Under “Major Infrastructural Projects” the SLP manifesto speaks of Construction of an upgraded Hewanorre International Airport, Upgrade of the Castries and Vieux Fort Seaports, Improvements to Water Infrastructure System, Construction of bus terminals in Castries and Vieux Fort, Upgrade of the Julian Hunte Highway from Choc to Gros Islet, Construction of the Vieux Administration Complex and the Construction of a new Soufriere Hospital.
Over the past week, criticism from both sides has been hurled across the aisle. The UWP has accused the SLP of “accomplishing nothing” in its over 4 years in office while the SLP has insisted that the UWP promises are old regurgitated talking points.
With little time left before the December 1st general election, interested voters will have to scramble if they must properly compare the two political documents. Additionally, voters attempting to secure a hard copy of these documents may find it difficult. The documents are, however, available online.