Press Release Emanating from the office of the United Workers Party political leader on Christmas eve destructive weather

1. Upstairs AF Valmont,
P.O. Box RB 2497,
Rodney Bay,
Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
Tel/Fax: (758) 572-4949
Contact:
Elijah Anatole – 7230809
Allen Chastanet - 7224200
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UWP REACHES OUT TO AFFECTED FAMILIES OF CHRISTMAS DISASTER
CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Thursday, December 26, 2013 – The United Workers Party is
regrettably saddened by the widespread destruction caused by heavy rains on Christmas Eve. On
Christmas Day, Political Leader, Allen Chastanet, together with Parliamentary Representative
for Castries South-East, Guy Joseph, spent the entire day touring the island to assess the
damages.
Much of their day was spent in the communities of Marc and Bexon where more than 300
households were affected. At a time that is traditionally filled with happiness, joy and laughter, it
is heart wrenching to witness families grappling with the total loss of personal items and
property.
The Party is even more pained to the core after learning that several families are mourning the
loss of loved ones. To them, we extend sincere condolences and also, provide assurance that we
will do as much as we can to assist in their hour of need.
Across the board, what we’ve seen is cooperation and a spirit of service, which is synonymous
with this time of year. And for the first responders who are out there – the police officers, the
firefighters, the sanitation workers who sometimes don’t get credit but have done heroic work,
we are so grateful to you because you exemplify what Saint Lucia is all about. We are grateful
to LUCELEC, WASCO and the Telecommunications companies who have been working
diligently to restore service to citizens.
We encourage people to continue to reach out and help a neighbor or anyone who is in need.
Food and clothing can be donated to residents of the communities most affected. Our first
commitment as a people is to meet the immediate needs of those who have no choice but to flee
their homes, those who have lost everything. For these Saint Lucians, every night brings
uncertainty. Every day requires new courage, and the months to come will bring more than their
fair share of struggles.

2. It is during difficult times like these, we’re reminded that we’re bound together and we have to
look out for each other. A lot of the things that seem important, the petty differences melt away,
and we focus on what binds us together and that we as Saint Lucians are going to stand with one
another in their hour of need. No one should have to deal with such a disaster at this special time
of year alone.
We must chart a way forward, we must work together to rebuild our nation. The United Workers
Party is already mobilizing resources to assist families most affected by the disaster.
Political Leader, Allen Chastanet, will continue his tour of the island on Christmas Holiday in
Soufriere and surrounding west coast communities.
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