A Phenomenal Team

By Stephen Lester Prescott

SIR Vaughan Lewis is not a man known for giving undeserved praise so when he claimed that the substance of government resided within the Labour Party, it was high praise indeed. Though the comments were made several years ago, they remain true to this day and if anyone harbored doubts in that regard then Labour’s performance last week would have erased them clean.

With its political transmission already in fourth gear Labour would press the accelerator even more over the past week. First, there was the Press Launch of its Anse la Raye/Canaries endorsed candidate, John Victorin, another of the string of young and talented individuals that Labour seems always to attract. His resume alone would have sent shivers down the UWP’s collective spine; former president of the Canaries Youth and Sports Council, Canaries Improvement Association, Canaries Community Club, former chairman of the Canaries Village Council, West Coast Credit Union, and the CARM Development Foundation, Deputy Chairman of the Board of National Lotteries Authority of St. Lucia, Director on the Windward Islands Lotteries Board, Member of the Basic Needs Trust Fund Steering Committee, and Director on the Board of the St Lucia Social Development Fund.

Later that same day, the Party took to the Market Steps where it welcomed a huge crowd of supporters. The Party had earlier announced it would be showcasing, for the first time, its entire slate of candidates. The party’s Communications Director, Jadia Jn. Pierre-Emmanuel, would chair the evening’s proceedings and what a superb job she would do. Another rising star without a doubt.Clearly a champion in the making.

The night’s first speaker would be the Sheriff of Castries Central, Stanley Felix. From his opening words it was evident that this sheriff was in no mood to take prisoners. Even as he never once referenced his opponent, Felix would open up the gaping sores within the UWP giving reason after reason why the people of Castries Central would this time support his candidacy. It was clear, as his campaign T-shirt blared, that “Stanley’s got this.”

Next it was the turn of newcomer Ernest Hilaire. A man who had reached the highest levels of West Indies Cricket was now on home turf and batting like a champion. The huge crown listened attentively. They gave unending encouragement to the boy who grew up roaming the streets of Faux a Chaux. He spoke of those who had inspired him, among them former Deputy Prime Minister, Mario Michel who was himself the founding President of the National Youth Council. He urged other young people like himself to not be afraid to defend their beliefs and that they need not feel inferior to their counterparts elsewhere. His may have been a maiden speech but the message was pure inspiration. Hilaire seems destined to succeed the giants of the past such as George Charles and Jon Odlum in taking his place as the Parliamentary Representative for Castries South.

Hilaire was followed by “The President of the Republic of Laborie”. Always a crowd favorite, Alva Baptiste would chronicle the successes of his ministry and Labour government. From the many scholarships which were sourced over the past four years to the Mabouya Valley water project, it was an impressive list of achievements. Alva is well on his way to a “three-peat.”

The wise man from the east was next. As usual, Philip J. Pierre did not disappoint. Citing the economic problems besetting Trinidad & Tobago, Pierre showcased Labour’s excellent management of the country’s economy. He reminded that even with the constraints faced by the SLP government much was nonetheless achieved; 21 bridges built or rehabilitated, 5 new schools constructed and two new state of the art hospitals to be commissioned this year. According to Pierre whilst the UWP was imploding Labour was unifying and producing.

By this time the Markets Steps was bursting at the seams. It was 1997 all over again.

Microphone in hand, and prior to introducing the night’s final speaker, the mistress of ceremonies invited the entire slate of candidates on to the stage. The huge crowd went into a frenzy as each candidate was announced. When finally she called on the Prime Minister the crowd surged forward as the DJ blasted Benjai’s hit song “Phenomenal”. It would be several minutes before the crowd would settle down. Looking at the assembled cast, Sir Vaughan’s words came rushing back. Yes indeed, the substance of government was on show for all to see. Candidate for candidate, party for party, Labour is literally head and shoulders above the UWP.

From his first words, it was obvious Kenny Anthony was in a no-nonsense mood. Almost calculatingly, he invited the crowd to peek into the future with a Labour Government. He highlighted his dedication to providing affordable health care for all St Lucians by working towards Universal Health Care. Of course that has always been a passion of his even from his first term as Prime Minister in 1997. In fact, had Labour not lost the 2006 General Elections citizens would by now have been benefiting from free medical care.

The Prime Minister also commented on the party’s efforts at bettering the lives of the country’s young by improving sporting facilities, expanding the laptop programme and providing every child with the opportunity of attending a secondary school. He announced an expanded Lap Top Programme to include students in Forms 1 and 2 in Secondary Schools. He shared his intention to introduce the workers of Saint Lucia to technology.He also revealed the government’s intention to soon commence construction of the new Thomazo and Canaries bridges. Finally, pointing to the enormous economic benefits to be derived, the Prime Minister announced his government’s plans to build a link road between Gros Islet and Dennery.

The week would conclude with a day of fun at Sandy Beach in Vieux Fort. And what fun it was! The young and the old, candidates and supporters, all came together as one big family.

Truly, Labour is phenomenal.