REGIONAL: Chastanet to serve as St Lucia’s Opposition Leader

SOURCE: CMC – United Workers Party (UWP) leader and former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, has been chosen to serve as Leader of the Opposition following his party’s defeat at the polls last week, and has served notice that he intends to keep Government on its toes.

In a statement on his Facebook page on Thursday, Chastanet said he was proud and humbled by the opportunity given to him to continue to serve the people of St. Lucia, albeit in a new capacity.

“We will support the Government when they do well; however, we will be vigilant and hold them always accountable on the issues and the promises they have made,” he said.

The Chastanet-led UWP lost the reins of government when it was defeated by the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) in the July 26 general elections.

The SLP won 13 seats in the 17-member Parliament, the UWP took two, and the other two went to independents, former prime minister Stephenson King who left the UWP ahead of the polls and Richard Frederick.

“Although we only have two representatives in the Lower House of Parliament, we are fortified by the fact that our party received over 37,400 votes, which is more than the previous opposition received with six members. We will do our utmost to serve them and all St. Lucians as we continue to work towards a prosperous St. Lucia for all,” Chastanet’s Facebook post concluded.

Meantime, Prime Minister Philip Pierre on Wednesday continued consultations with several organizations and individuals, including King. (CMC)