On Thursday, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet addressed key issues of significant interest to the citizens of Saint Lucia, sharply criticizing the government for its perceived lack of management, transparency, and accountability on various fronts.
The United Workers Party (UWP) focused on several pressing issues, including the rising cost of living, public safety, challenges in essential services, and questionable national decisions that require open dialogue and discussion.
Chastanet particularly targeted operations within the island’s two major utility companies—water and electricity—expressing concerns about their inadequate efforts to mitigate the financial burden on consumers. He was especially critical of the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) regarding its proposed rate increase, which he views as detrimental to households and businesses alike.
“We have been informed that the National Utilities Regulation Committee (NURC) has approved a rate increase for WASCO. The opposition plans to engage with both the business community and households to assess the potential economic fallout from this situation,” Chastanet declared.
He emphasized the importance of efficient operations at WASCO, stating, “It is crucial that WASCO runs effectively.”
He differentiated the management of WASCO and the Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), noting a significant difference: “LUCELEC has the ability to charge a surcharge to address fluctuating energy prices, while WASCO’s water pricing is controlled, preventing it from adjusting rates accordingly. Consequently, WASCO has absorbed the cost increases associated with electricity.”
Chastanet continued, voicing scepticism about the effectiveness of the recent rate increase, stating, “This change is not going to solve the underlying issues.”
Reflecting on the achievements of the previous United Workers Party (UWP) administration, he pointed out, “We reinstated pride among WASCO workers. During our term, we saw unprecedented developments in water services.”
He highlighted significant projects, such as the de-silting of the John Compton Dam, stressing that properly executing such projects could increase water capacity significantly. “Our program aimed to complete the dam de-silting within 8 to 10 years,” he noted.
However, he criticized the current government for suspending essential work on the dam and failing to renew or purchase equipment necessary for its upkeep.
While he commended the refurbishment of the Theobalds Processing Facility as a positive step, he noted that the on-going water challenges stem from two main issues: the need for de-silting at the dam and significant water loss during distribution, with up to 60% of water being lost post-treatment.
To address these challenges, Chastanet highlighted the importance of implementing metering systems to detect leaks and improve the efficiency of water distribution.
The Opposition Leader also raised concerns about crime rates, the GPH deal, the St. Jude Hospital project, Citizenship by Investment (CIP) issues, and the recent partnership with Arsenal.
In summary, Chastanet underscored growing concerns about rising homicide rates, escalating costs of living—including water, electricity, bus fares, and food—as well as the government’s reluctance to cut taxes.
He declared, “Saint Lucians are worse off than ever, and it is shocking that we have reached a point where a visa is now required for Saint Lucians to visit England.”
Chastanet pointed out that while Saint Lucia was the last country in the region to implement the CIP project, it is alarming that with the exception of Dominica, its other sub regional neighbouring islands does not require a visa to travel to the United Kingdom.