It is believed that St. Lucians at home and abroad have grown tired of the political rhetoric that has constantly penetrated the airwaves for decades, leaving only a poor taste in the mouths of those who dream of a vibrant developing society.
We have discussed before the general lack of screening and appropriate processes when selecting individuals suited to represent and govern us. Even without survey tested evidence it would be safe to say the selectors (the electorate) usually and generally gravitate to the “loud mouths” in the community. That, however, is not always the case.
We would do well to understand that the politicians of yesterday, some of whom still exist, come from a period when it was easy to mislead joe public and cause chaos with half- truths and still retain the adoration of those who cling to their coattails. There may even be new politicians, not necessarily young, who have unfortunately adapted and adopted that stance.
We would also do well to understand that while some of these politicians are still actively spewing that rhetoric, the group of coattail grabbing supporters is dwindling.
Evidenced by the December 1st, 2025, St. Lucia general election, a new young, dynamic, entrepreneurship driven demographic has emerged, a group that seemingly hold a different perspective and wield a new double-barrelled weapon – their vote and technology.
The political rhetoric in the media is sometimes no better than what obtains in the House of Parliament and on occasion as equally misleading as what is recorded on political platforms.
In the past, St. Lucians have been described as a people lacking a sustained memory bank or a people who would willfully follow the ill-intentioned in the name of party colours. Both of these ills are gradually being corrected by the technology-wielding impatient young voter. Their memories seem less likely to fail in the short term and their commitment to party colours seems only one political misstep away.
It is predicted, by at least two local political commentators, that some politicians will make the fatal error and ignore that demographic and continue with the “same ole same ole” that has plagued local politics for decades. Maybe that would be a godsend, as it may leave the island’s political scene with more authentic, development driven discourse which the island and the region are craving.
It is ironic that many have suggested that current, seasoned politicians should look to the youth parliament for guidance on how to conduct and reinvent themselves, which is guided by the words “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3-4.
While we may agree that the distasteful political rhetoric needs to diminish, the present truth is that a large portion of the country still looks forward to and enjoys that rhetoric which seems to promote a level of excitement and motivation that resonates in numbers at the polls.
After all, what’s a little “maypwe and movay lang.”