The Torch - United Workers Party

B
enjamin Franklin, one
of the United States
Founding Fathers
said “when you’re finished
changing, you’re finished”.
Change is an essential
ingredient of progress. If we
expect our circumstances to
improve we must embrace
change for the better.
Mahatma Gandhi’s
famous advice to “be the
change that you wish to see
in the world” is critical if we
desire to steer the path that
we wish to see for our lives,
our country and the world.
We MUST be part of the
change we seek…we must do
our part in making St. Lucia
the country that we want it
to be.
Recently, we’ve seen
young people all over the
world embrace the “change”
mantle and become part of
the movement for positive
change. We’ve seen that
regardless of the society
and the circumstances of
oppression and corruption.
Change for the better is
possible if we the people
decide that enough is
enough. From Venezuela to
Egypt,UkraineandtheUnited
States of America, young
people have been making
their mark and changing the
world every day. Saint Lucia
should be no different.

Albert Einstein defined
insanity as “doing the same
thing over and over and
expecting a different result”.
We cannot continue the
same behaviors, year in, year
out and expect better results.
We must be willing to get up,
go out and do something.
There is no better
time than now to become
actively involved in bringing
about the change that you
wish to see. This is not
confined to speaking out
on a platform at a public
meeting. You can contribute
to change by becoming a
registered member of the
United Workers Party. You
can be part of the process
to select the right candidate
to represent you and your
family. You need to become
fully involved in the political
process from constituency
elections to candidate
selection and ultimately,
general elections. Don’t let
someone else steal your
voice. You cannot afford to sit
back and expect the change
that you seek to be made by
someone else.
You can also make a
significant contribution
to change by engaging in
peaceful protests, whether
it be on the streets or in the
media. Twitter, Facebook and
other social media platforms,
are critical in spreading
the message of the need
for a better future for St.
Lucia. We cannot ignore the
importance of such platforms
as they serve as tools that can
help to spread the message –
a message of hope, change,
and a better tomorrow with
the United Workers Party.
We need to send out a strong
message to the Labour
Party government that we
are tired of all their lies and
false hope of better days.
Use constructively whatever
platform is available to you.
I became actively
involved in elective politics
because I became aware
that to see positive change in
my island home, I had to do
my part. I knew that I would
face criticism and insults, and
people would try to discredit
me, however I know that
every action I take and every
decision I make, I do for my
fellow St. Lucians.
The dream of a changed
Saint Lucia where each
child, regardless of the
circumstances of their
birth, can have access to
internationally recognized
education, affordable
healthcare, and basic
amenities to make their
dreams come true.
Saint Lucia where equal
opportunities abound for
anyone willing to work
hard; where every man,
woman and child is given a
fair opportunity to escape
poverty and become
successful at whatever they
set their minds to do.
St. Lucia where other islands
look up to us as the nation
with the best policies for
growth, and to do business.
The best place for persons to
live, work, and play.
If our children and
future generations live in
the same conditions of Saint
Lucia today, then we would
have failed them. That’s why
I’d rather be where I am
today, working hard with
like minds to transform this
Party into the preferred
governing choice of the
people than sitting at home
being an arm chair critic.
We’re all here because
we want to be a part of the
Change that is happening in
the United Workers Party for
the better and to ultimately
effect positive change in this
country. Whether or not each
person’s intentions are pure,
only God knows and only
time will tell.
The best way to predict
your future is to create it. We
must create the Saint Lucia that
we want to live in. We must all
speak up. We must all work for
it. We must all stand up and be
counted, if our dreams are to
become a reality.
I am Allen Chastanet and
I stand for working to achieve
the change that you wish to
see. Do you?
A Quarterly PUBLICATION FROM YOUR UNITED WORKERS PARTY
www.uwpstlucia.org #changeiscoming
ISSUE 1 October 2015
thetorch newspaper is produced by UWP Public Relations & Communications Team @2015
Message from the Political Leader
Political Leader Allen Chastanet.

thetorch newspaper is produced by UWP Public
Relations & Communications Team @2015
Contact Details: Telephone 1(758) 572-4949
Email: info@uwpstlucia.org
A Quarterly PUBLICATION FROM YOUR UNITED WORKERS PARTY
IN THIS ISSUE: UWP News
Deputy Political
Leader Of The
Opposition, Dr.
Gale T. C. Rigobert,
was recommended
by her party
colleagues to
Meeting with Stalwarts
Opening of
Vieux Fort
Constituency
Branch
Office
Leader of the
Opposition
Hon Gale
Rigobert
Youth
Seminar
• Message from the Political Leader
• Message from the Leader Of The
Opposition
• UWP News
• Constituency Outreach
• Town Hall & Public Meetings
• Local News
• Constituency Events
• Education
• Health
• Economy
• Did You Know
• Regional and International News
The party has maintained
presenting, to its members
as constitutionally due, our
yearly Convention within
a transparent process with
northern and southern
zonals followed by
conference of delegates.Convention.
Northern & Southern
Zonal.
Conference of Delegates.
W
e find ourselves at a critical juncture
in our socio-political evolution. This
country has over the past three and a half
years experienced unprecedented consecutive
negative growth. We have not been spared the
accompanying social ills. Rising unemployment
and an upsurge in crime have proven to be rather
challenging. The social infrastructure is wearing
thin. The health sector continues to collapse under
the weight of mismanagement and inefficiency.
Small businesses are finding it increasingly difficult
to survive in a shrinking economic space, where
the disposable income of households has nearly
disappeared. The agricultural sector is in dire
need of resuscitation as farmers wait in vain for
the necessary support and technical assistance to
nurse the sector back to full health and to make
farming lucrative again.
The issues that plague this country are
many, but this by no means
should serve to dishearten
us, nor should we succumb to
fatalism. Instead, we flambeaus
should see this challenge as
an opportunity to inject the
energy, intellectual wherewithal
and innovation to do what is
necessary to re-engineer the
Party so that we are even better
prepared to secure victory at
the next polls. Saint Lucians are
irking to regain their economic
security, national dignity and
feel a sense of hope. The UWP
is well poised to govern this
country and place it on a growth
path.
I am delighted that the
United Workes Party continues
to leverage the various forms
of media available to engage
you our supporters, members
and friends. There was a time
when it appeared that the
Hon Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert Message
electorate was near satisfied
with a once every five year
engagement that would see a
plethora of activity preceding
national elections. With the
advent of new information and
communications technologies
(ICTs), the electorate has an
increasingly insatiable appetite
for information in real time.
The new paradigm of elective
politics requires a daily, moment
by moment dialogue with
constituents.
We in the UWP have
made a concerted effe this
medium alongside traditional
media, facebook, twitter and our
website to ensure that you are
kept abreast of developments
within the Party. This is also
your source for our Party’s
perspective on Government
policies and the impact that they
Hon Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert,
Leader Of The Opposition.
Mission, Vision and Core
Values of the Party
This process included members from the
constituency branches, members of the
executive and other committees of the party
during a two day training forum.
have on you and your families.
I thank you for allowing us into
your homes and I pray that you will
continue to lend your unwavering
support to our Party in fulfilling our
mission and vision for you and for
all Saint Lucians.
May God bless you and your
families.
become the new Leader Of The Opposition. The
confirmation of this recommendation has made
her the first female Leader Of The Opposition in
Saint Lucia.
2

Hosting Training Sessions
for Executive Branches and
Candidates Conferences
Mary Isaac announced as UWP
Castries South Candidate
YOUTH ARM DONATION
OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Donation of school supplies was presented to
parents as a back to school drive.
The United Workers Party has announced the
selection of Senator Mary Isaac by the UWP Castries
South Constituency Branch as its candidate for the
next general election.
There were two persons vying for the position
however, Senator Mary Isaac was elected by an
overwhelming majority.
E
ight years ago today,
a great man left this
world we know. But
not before leaving us his
legacy, vision and mission to
make St. Lucia a better place
for our future generation.
Sir John had a master plan
to further develop this
beautiful country of ours.
After giving so many years
to this country, he came
back once more to give his
final days to us. This is how
selfless he was. He could
have lived a peaceful life
without the stress of politics
Leader Of The Opposition Hon Gale
Rigobert and Political Leader Mr. Allen
Chastanet Assisted the Women’s Arm
with the West Coast Communities
Celebrating the Life of Sir
John Melvin Compton on
September 7th 2014
but as he had always done before, he wanted to give his
people the best future he could have, even after his death.
We stop today to reflect on the life of a great man we
like to call “The Father of the Nation” and to remember all
the great things he accomplished for all of us. We press on
holding all of his memories alive and to fulfil all the great
plans he never got a chance to finish.
Sir John
Laying
of the
Wreath
Ceremony
Vending booths in Babonneau
UWP Applauds St.Lucian
Women at a Women’s Forum
Chairman of the UWP
Babonneau Constituency
Branch, Mr. Lionel Ellis,
presented to the nation
how the vending booths in
Babonneau is abandoned
by Alvina Reynolds and the
newly elected town council.
Increased License Fees
Former Communications and Works Minister
Hon. Guy Joseph has described the new system
announced by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony as
“crazy.”
A series of constituency walk through was executed. In
photo Political Leader in Castries Central and Political
Leader and Hon Edmund Estephane in Dennery.
3

Constituency Outreach
UWP Responds to
Lastic Hill Fire Victims
Hats off to Hon. Guy Joseph
and the constituents of Castries
South-East for undertaking this
self help road restoration project
on National Day
Father’s Day Events In
Micoud South
Senator Mary Issac
responds to
Castries South
Fire Victims
Dr Gale Rigobert
Netball Tournament
Two Years In Row
Parliamentary Representative for Micoud
North, Hon Gale Rigobert, explained that
this tournament was organized to provide
opportunities for young people in Micoud
Babonneau Youth
Summer Football Camp
Youth Summer Camp for over 70 Youth in
Babonneau sponsored by Senator Ezechiel
Joseph and the United Workers Party
Dr.Gale Rigobert
hosts successful
Micoud North
Community Health
Fair
Castries South East Initiative
for Our Youth
Leader of the Opposition and
Parliamentary Rep for Micoud North
Dr.Gale Rigobert hosted the Micoud
North Community Health Fair which was
a resounding success!
The People Speak
UWP Candidate
Herod Stanislaus
and Political
Leader Visit to
Soufriere after
Devastating Fire
United Workers Party
Extends Happy
Remembrance Day
to the Women and
Men who made
Saint Lucia safe.
4

I
n keeping with the party’s promise to meet regularly with its constituents and members, the United Workers Party
(UWP) executive with the Constituency Branches host a series of successful town hall and public meetings island-wide.
Meetings will continue with the party’s thrust of meeting stakeholders and constituents with the opportunity to engage
our members on issues relating to health, the economy, agriculture and unemployment; with a strong articulation of the
need for change.
Anse La Raye/Canaries
Town Hall Meeting
Babonneau Public
Meeting
Dennery Town Hall
Meeting
Castries South East
Public Meeting
Castries South
Town Hall Meeting
Soufriere Public
Meetings
Vieux Fort Public
Meeting
Political Leader Speaks
with Community
Members from
Dugard, Micoud At A
Town Hall
Micoud North
Public Meeting
St Lucians Take to the Street to Protest
against Kennynomics
Town Hall & Public Meetings LOCAL
UWP held major farmers
meeting in Micoud
Post Tomas Island wide
Visit
Farmers
Visit
Islandwide
Hon Gale Rigobert Ensures the People of
Micoud North Got Water Tanks for Water
Storage
Hon Guy Joseph on site of one
of the main roads that was
severely damage
Political Leader Delivers Supplies to the
people of Soufriere
I
n light of the Agriculture Bill which was presented in the
ouse and the alarming problems affecting farmers in
Micoud and environs, the United Workers Party (UWP)
host a special meeting with all farmers in Dennery, Micoud
and Vieux Fort/Black Bay.
5

Constituency Events
Celebrating our
50th Anniversary
Gala
Stop paying lip
service on child
abuse, says
Senator Mary
Isaac
Senator Mary Isaac.
Church Service
Public Meeting
Constituency Fun Night
Political Leader Allen Chastanet says, “All of the
funds raised at this charity event, will be donated
to Dominica along with relief supplies and a special
thank you, well done to the members of the party
who made it happen.
Flambeau Fashion Show
The Golden Anniversary of the United Workers Party
was celebrated on Sunday 30th March, 2014 at Micoud
North where Flambeaus, both young and old, came
by the hundreds to commemorate our achievements
under the theme: Yesterday, Today and Beyond.
Unemployment the Highest ever in
Saint Lucia!
According to the Caribbean Development Bank’s 2014 Economic
Review, Saint Lucia’s Unemployment rose to 25.8% in 2014. This is
the highest unemployment rate in the history of Saint Lucia.
S
enator Isaac said that too much “lip service” is given
to these issues and the time has come for it to stop.
She said that it is more than just talking, but ensuring
that action is taken to reduce child abuse.
“It’s not just about talking or saying the right thing
when you are in a position. You are in a position to make
a difference and I think people ought to see that they are
making a difference,” Isaac said.
The United Workers Party (UWP) senator believes
there are enough women in government, particularly at
the Gender Relations and Human Services Ministry to look
more deeply into these issues
“They have the opportunity to put the necessary
infrastructure to deal with those issues. I think we have
to stop talking and do what is necessary to prevent these
things from happening,” she added.
But the senator said the ministry now has the
responsibility to look at society and see what causes a
person to abuse someone else, even when it’s someone
that they love.
Every last Saturday
in the month, a
constituency branch
will host a fun
night, tailored to
their constituency
and to mobilize
community members
and supporters to
attend, who may
aid to increasing
membership and
to showcase unity
among our members.
Those events have
been rolled out with
an over whelming
support of the
community and party
supporters.
6

O
pposition Leader, Dr. Gale
Rigobert says the Minister
for National Security must
address allegations of security and
process breaches at the National
Forensic Lab. Dr. Rigobert says the
implications for the credibility of
the multi-million dollar facility are
far-reaching.
Dr. Rigobert asks, “Why has
it taken this long for the Minister
responsible for Home Affairs and
National Security, Sen. Victor Phillip
La Corbinierre to address the public
on the matter?” She insists that the
public needs to know:
1. Why wasn’t a more stringent
and rigorous security system
implemented, notwithstanding the
incessant complaints and requests
U
nited Workers Party
(UWP) Senator Mary
Isaac is calling on Prime
Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony to
desist from attacking public
servants and show some
respect for the role they play
in the country’s development.
Isaac comment comes
in light of recent statements
made by Dr. Anthony where
he pointed out Director of the
Statistics Department Edwin
St. Catherine for supposedly
giving out information without
permission.
The former Civil Service
Association president told St.
Lucia News Online (SNO) today
that the prime minister should
not attempt to upbraid the
statistics director for simply
doing his job.
In a recent report on
the country’s performance,
where it was stated that the
Saint Lucian economy is on
the rebound, Dr. Anthony did
not provide statistical data on
the employment levels in the
country.
He said: “While I do
not have updated figures on
the rate of unemployment, I
expect that unemployment
will be contained and will
gradually reduce as investment
intensifies and the economy
expands.”
However, days after the
report was publicised, a local
radio station requested the
unemployment figures from
the department and was
furnished with the information
for additional security by the
former Director and given
the sensitivity of the samples
stored at the Lab?
2. Why have there been
expressions of grave discomfort
with respect to storing critical
evidence?
3. Is it true that evidence stored
in the Lab, including illicit
substances sent in for testing
have changed in composition
and volume overnight?
4. Has a foreign entity been
commissioned to investigate
the operations of the Lab and if
so, who is that person/agency?
5. Are there plans afoot to
install new management given
the resignation of the Director,
by St. Catherine.
The radio station provided
the figures to the public, which
has since stirred up a debate,
where persons have alleged
that the prime minister may
have withheld the information
for reasons unexplained.
But Dr. Anthony later
refuted those claims and said
that the figures were not
properly prepared or accurate
enough, focusing most of his
argument, on reasons why
St. Catherine should not have
provided the figures.
Isaac argues that that
information on the country’s
unemployment level should be
readily available to the public
and said all the director did, was
provide the information based
on a request he had received.
“Mr. St Catherine is a well-
respected renowned statistician
in the region and as such, I do
not think the PM should be
attacking St. Catherine, who is
also a career public servant,”
she added.
She went on to state that
it is not the prime minister’s
responsibility to detail how the
director should do his work.
A former public servant
herself, Isaac said this is not
the first time that Dr. Anthony
has attacked public servants,
which she finds disrespectful
coming from someone who
holds such a high office.
She said, “He has attacked
the police force on a number
of occasions and said negative
things. These are the same
police that we depend on to
serve and protect the people
of this country.”
“For the prime minister
to keep attacking these
very same people, it is not
something that should be
encouraged. More and more
we are seeing the true person
the prime minister really is.”
Isaac said she recalled
when Dr. Anthony was in
the opposition, he held up
a document in Parliament
showing that he gets his
information from public
officers and in a way tried
to state that they leak
information.
“All the information that
public servants put out there
is information that the public
ought to have access to. I think
the PM should stop attacking
public servants the way he
does, because it demoralizes
them and it sort of questions
the role of public servants
play,” she ended.
and
6. Has the Forensic Lab been
shut down by the Government
and why?
Dr. Rigobert is concerned
that these issues if not properly
addressed by the Minister can
cast doubt on the credibility of
the operations of the Lab and
put the entire future of the
institution in jeopardy.
According to Dr. Rigobert,
given the critical role of a
proper functioning Forensic
Lab, the Prime Minister, Dr.
Kenny D. Anthony should see
to it that the Minister for Home
Affairs, Sen. Victor Phillip La
Corbinierre addresses the
above concerns with urgency.
National Security Minister Must Address
Serious Breaches at Forensic Science Lab
Stop attacking
public servants”
– Mary Isaac tells PM Anthony
Senator Mary Isaac.
P
olitical Leader Mr. Allen
Chastanet.Leader of the
(UWP) Allen Chastanet claims
that a secret poll conducted by
his party in April of this year has
concluded that the government’s
credibility is “extremely poor.”
Chastanet also claims that
based on the results of that poll,
which saw the participation of
3,500 people, Prime Minister Dr.
Kenny Anthony’s favorability is
also “very poor.”
Chastanet made this
disclosure on Tuesday evening
during an appearance on an MBC
television programme dubbed
“Current Affairs” hosted by
journalist Clinton Reynolds.
While the political
leader did not provide the full
details of the poll, he refuted
claims that he too received
an unfavorable response and
denies the poll predicted that
the UWP will have trouble at
the next elections.
The poll was conducted
and being used as part of a
process in the selection of
candidates for the UWP. The
decision to conduct a poll
was approved by the National
Council in the candidate
selection process.
In an attempt to try and
explain why the poll was kept
to a select group of people,
Chastanet said it was because
people were going through
their own candidate selection
process.
The results of the poll will
be made available shortly to
the recently appointed UWP
Campaign StrategyCommittee,
which has just been approved
by the party executive.
The results will be used
to guide the party’s plans for
the future.
UWP Poll says Government’s
Credibility Is Extremely Poor
The united workers party held a press conference,
addressing increased fees in various sectors.
Hon Guy Joseph and political leader Allen Chastanet,
paid particular attention to the increased tuition fees at the
Sir. Arthur Lewis Community College.
7

The United Works Party
(UWP) has expressed
grave concern over
what it describes as a “quickly
deteriorating health care
sector.”
The UWP is concerned
that after having flagged several
inefficiencies plaguing the
two major health institutions
last year, St. Jude Hospital
and Victoria Hospital, that
one would have thought that
the Labour Party Government
would have intervened,
urgently, to bring relief to the
ailing sector.
Instead, according to
the UWP, the government
has allowed the problems to
fester and the beleaguered
health institutions are finding it
increasingly difficult to provide
the most basic of services to the
public.
According to the UWP,
parents of infants are petrified
by the effects on their young
ones due to the unavailability
of the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-
Guérin) and the MMR (Measles,
Mumps, and Rubella) vaccines
since November 2014.
What is more worrying
is the fact that Health officials
cannot provide a definite
timeframe for the importation
of more stock.
The first shot of the BCG
vaccine is usually given to
babies six weeks after birth to
protect against Tuberculosis
(TB), which is a serious infection
that affects the lungs, but can
also affect the bones, joints
and kidneys and can cause
meningitis.
The MMR vaccine is
usually administered in two
doses to children between one
(1) year and six (6) years to
prevent Measles, mumps, and
rubella, which are all serious
and very contagious diseases.
The Center for Disease
Control (CDC) in the United
States has said that these
diseases are much less common
in the U.S. than they used to be
due to successful vaccination
programmes, but if the
vaccination were to stop, they
would return.
The most worrying report
received by far is that St. Jude
Hospital has run out of food and
was finding it difficult to feed its
patients. The hospital has had
to rely on friends and families
of patients and benevolent
private sector institutions to
make urgent donations of food
items and cleaning supplies.
This compounds existing
problems at St. Jude Hospital,
which over the past 6 months
or more, has suffered from
severe shortages of critical
supplies and medicines.
Of particular concern
is that one of two operating
rooms at the Southern hospital
has been closed, due to
malfunctioning equipment.
Reports are that
among other challenges, the
anesthesia machine has broken
down and is awaiting repair.
This has affected the hospitals
capacity to conduct much
needed surgery, significantly.
Relatives of patients at
the sister institution in the
North, Victoria Hospital, have
been complaining that their
loved ones are being nursed on
beds that are propped up with
blocks, boxes, bags of silicone
or whatever else staff can
find to support beds that are
unsuitable for use.
The United Workers
Party laments the quickly
deteriorating state of the
health care sector. The main
Opposition Party is calling on
Health Minister, Ms. Alvina
Reynolds to:
1. Inform the public as to why
there has been a shortage of
critical vaccines and what her
Government is doing to source
these;
2. Advise parents whose
children are due for these shots
what they should do in the
interim;
3. Provide a definite date by
which Health practitioners will
have the vaccines to administer
to our people;
4. Tell the public whether the
Health Ministry has adopted
a new policy to discontinue
administering BCG and MMR
vaccines and what the options
are;
5. Advise on a rescue plan for St.
Jude Hospital in particular, that
is in dire need of Government
6. Address the deteriorating
beds issue at VH, among other
problems that threaten the
delivery of key health services
at the nation’s major hospitals.
The Prime Minister
and the Minister for Health
should move quickly to quell
increasing anxieties in the
nation’s population about the
evident collapse of our health
care sector. Further, the UWP
says the Prime Minister should
end the failed experiment of
entrusting the health of our
nation to Alvina Reynolds
because we can ill-afford to
continue to gamble on the lives
of our people.
L
eader of the Opposition
Dr. Gale Rigobert has
voiced concerns over a
series of power outages and
unresolved electrical problems
at the Victoria Hospital. The
power outages earlier this
week affected the Accident and
Emergency (A&E) department,
the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
and the Operating theatre,
which remained without
power up until Wednesday,
necessitating the cancellation
of emergency and scheduled
surgeries.
The laboratory was also
without power, delaying the
performance of vital tests.
Patients requiring dialysis have
been adversely affected by the
severe and frequent power
outages.
“These power outages
have highlighted further
inefficiencies in the Health
sector, and in particular at
the Victoria Hospital. This
also raises serious questions
about the effectiveness of the
Health Minister, Ms. Alvina
Reynolds. The recent spate
of power outages underscore
the need to comply with the
British Standard (BS7671)
Wiring Regulations, the Saint
Lucia Electricity Act and the
importance of adhering to the
local Wiring Regulation,” said
Rigobert.
According to the
Parliamentary Leader of the
Opposition, the outages
prompt several concerns
about; the availability of and
effective use of an operations
and maintenance manual, the
lack of or poor maintenance of
equipment, the lack of routine
inspections, and the failure to
conduct regular safety checks.
Dr. Rigobert says these
are “particularly poignant”
given that in the last few days an
employee has suffered an injury
— magnifying the existing doubts
about the hospital’s adherence
to health and safety standards.
These recent occurrences beg
the question, “Is the Ministry of
Health guilty of breeching health
and safety regulations and when
last were inspections conducted
by the Fire and Emergency
Department and the Ministry of
Infrastructure?”
Dr. Rigobert called upon the
Minister to attend to this situation
expeditiously given that lives are
at risk and the hospital’s capacity
to serve its patients had been
crippled due to the blackout.
Economy
T
he United Workers Party is disputing
the prime minister’s disclosure on the
state of the economy.
Political leader Allen Chastanet contin-
ues to rail against the labour administration’s
handling of the economy. #EnoughisEnough
#ChangeisComing
Castries South East
MP, Guy Joseph is calling
on the National Water
and Sewage Commission
to explain why the John
Compton Dam dredging
fee needs to be re-
implemented. The MP
is also questioning why
districts that do not receive
water from the dam are
required to pay the fee. He
is adamant that the people
of Saint Lucia deserve
answers.
Health
United Workers Party is concerned about our Health Sector and Economy in Saint Lucia #ChangeIsComing
Health Sector Dying Under
SLP & Alvina Reynolds
BLACKOUT CRIPPLES OPERATIONS AT VH
While St. Lucians continue to face the every day struggles of
unemployment, poor health-care service, high tax rates, high gas
prices when market prices are at an all time low; the Labour Party is
more concerned about what is happening with the UWP than finding
solutions to deal with these problems. #SinceWhenThatsTheirRole
8

SLP Government
Increases Customs
Service Charge
Effective July 1st, 2015 the Dr.Kenny Anthony led
Administration has increased the Customs Service Charge
from 5% to 6%. This will further decrease the already limited
purchasing power of the St.Lucian public as inevitably the cost
of goods and services across the island will increase. When
will Kenny give St.Lucians a break? #EnoughisEnough
A
fter weeks of persistent calls the United Workers
Party (UWP) welcomes the news of reduced prices
on petroleum products on in Saint Lucia. The UWP
recognizes that while the next scheduled adjustment was
slated for April 2015, the SLP Administration did the right
thing, for once, and provided the much needed relief
that Saint Lucians have been yearning for. This victory
belongs, not only to the United Workers Party but to all
Saint Lucians who feel the squeeze from high fuel prices,
rising cost of living, VAT, unemployment, increase in water
and light bills and VAT on non-prescription medication
and boldly expressed their discontent through their
participation in the 29th of January 2015 march.
We thank everyone who came out to march and
it was the bravery of the thousands of Saint Lucians
who exercised their democratic right that forced the
Government to listen and to act. The UWP assures all Saint
Lucians that it will remain vigilant and a strong advocate
UWP Welcomes Reduced
Fuel Prices
for more balanced socio-economic policies.
The Government has now shown, both in the last
quarter and with this recent unplanned change, that there
were substantial surpluses, but is yet to confirm who the
beneficiary was. We are once again asking the Government
to bring clarity on this matter.
T
he United Workers
Party (UWP) has
been informed
that it is the intention of
Government to issue a
contract for preliminary
works to commence
renovations of the
Hewanorra International
Airport.
During the 2015
Budget address, St.
Lucians were informed
that a thirty (30) year
airport master plan
was developed and the
bidding process would
have commenced during
the month of May.
The UWP understands
that preliminary works
estimated to cost $28
million has already been
designated to a Local
Contractor. (Rayneau
Gajadhar) In light of this
we asked the Government
the following fundamental
questions:
1. Was such works placed
out to tender as required,
UWP Questions Government On Hewannora
Airport Project on June 2015
and promised during the
2015 budget address.
2. Can we conclude that
this Contractor will be the
Concessionaire as provided
for in the Hewanorra
International Airport
Development Act?
The United Workers
Party would like the
Government to clear the
air on such matters for the
benefit of all the people of
Saint Lucia.
Did You Know
9

Regional and International News
Political Leader Allen Chastanet Keynote Speaker at
Trinidad 2015 Tourism Awards
Political Leader Allen Chastanet has confirmed that THE UWP
has been accepted as a full member of the IDU.
Hon Gale Rigobert and Political Leader Allen Chastanet addressed
the United Kingdon Community and Mr. Lenard Montoute
and Political Leader Allen Chastanet addressed the New York
Community.
UK Visit
Political Leader Allen Chastanet and Senator Ezechiel Joseph meet the
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the UK
Parliament, Hon. Phillip Hammond.
10
The Diaspora Communities
Meet And Greet

United Workers Party congratulates Hon Keith Rowley of the
People’s National Movement of Trinidad and Tobago
United Workers Party wishes him well in his future endeavors and hopes he makes Saint
Lucia his second home.
Congratulations to David
Cameron and the Conservative
Party in the UK on an impressive
victory!
The people have spoken and
democracy has prevailed. I look
forward to strengthening ties
with Cameron’s Administration.
T
he United Workers Party (UWP) congratulates the SKN Team Unity on its very significant
victory. Despite the unprecedented challenges and long delay in the release of the
election results, democracy has prevailed.
At times, it seemed like Parliament and the Courts were unable to protect the people
from the naked abuse of power and the tyranny of the ruling Labour government who
was prepared to do anything to hold on to the power, even at the expense of democracy
itself. This victory represents the resolve of a people who have fought very hard to uphold
democracy.
There are many lessons to be learned from the experiences of the people of St. Kitts
United Kingdom Elections
UWP CONGRATULATES SKN TEAM UNITY
which are also
very applicable
to Saint Lucia as
well as CARICOM.
As a people, we
must commit to
ensuring that
democracy is
always upheld and
that the will of
the people must
always prevail.
Saying Farewell to Ambassador James Chan
Political Allen
Chastanet
Expresses
Condolence to
France
UWP Sends Condolences to the Republic of
China on Taiwan
T
he United Workers Party
extends condolence to the
government and People of
the Republic of China on Taiwan
as they deal with the loss of life
and the devastation caused as a
result of the passage of Typhoon
Soudelor. Our hearts go out
to them. Let us keep them in
prayer and wish them a speedy
recovery. The Executive and
Members of the United Workers
Party extend deepest regret and
sympathies from the island of
Saint Lucia.
11

Saint Lucia’s Economy Contracts for the 3rd
Consecutive Year
Washington Conference
The President of United Youth Antonia Auguste represented the United
Workers party at the International Democrat Union Future Leaders
Forum from October 24th to 27th 2013 in Washington DC with thirty six
participating countries.
The speakers included Asil Ahmad, advisor to Anwar Ibrahim, Opposition
Leader in Malaysia, Catrina Rorke, Director of Energy and Environmental
Policy at the American Action Forum and Ambassador Rt. Hon. Michael
Moore of New Zealand, Former Director General of the WTO and Former
Prime Minister of New Zealand.
T
he Leader of the Opposition and MP for Micoud
North, Dr. Gale Rigobert has just concluded a
visit to St. Croix (USVI) where she was invited
to address a forum entitled “Caribbean Women of
Political Distinction”. The event which took place on
Saturday October 18th, saw other guest speakers
including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke from
New York and gubernatorial candidate Dr. Donna
Christensen.
Dr. Rigobert’s presentation focused on
“discrimination against women’s participation in
obtaining the highest seats in government”, and the
“need to train and mentor young women to attain
positions of political leadership”.
Dr. Rigobert began her presentation with the
assertion that “the necessity for Caribbean female
or women candidates to promote themselves or
one another as women will one day disappear.” She
reminded colleagues that “female politicians can
enjoy the privilege of being in public office, because
generations of women have lost their lives, suffered
abuse, embarrassment, humiliation, shed blood,
invested sweat and tears, all for country”.
She implored the attendees to do more so that
the next generation of female politicians will not
have to confront the same challenges that women
politicians like herself do today. She challenged her
peers, to exert greater effort – to make tangible
provisions for future generations and warned
that their legacy should not be “… that you
were – the first – or only woman to have done
‘such and such’”. She declared, “The hallmark
of a true leader is that he/she would have
replicated him or herself several times over, so
that good succession is assured.”
Dr. Rigobert encouraged her colleagues
to “… reject, refute and breakdown the
socio-linguistic framework that seeks to
define women in such a way that suggests
that women are better suited for certain
professions more so than others”.
Caribbean Women
of Political
Distinction
London Conference
From the 5th – 7th March of 2014, Ms. Auguste together with Mr.
Richard Joseph, treasurer of United Workers Party Youth Arm attended
a second conference hosted by the International Democratic Union in
London England. The participating countries were member states of the
Commonwealth.
Providing Opportunities
and Support for the UWP
Youth Arm Leader Of The Opposition and MP for
Micoud North, Dr. Gale Rigobert.
12
Hon Dr. Gale Rigobert at OAS Conference.

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