Divided in Disaster: The Unseemly Display of Party Loyalty in Soufriere

It is utterly disheartening to observe partisan politicking taking precedence over the pressing needs of the victims of Hurricane Beryl. During a recent tour of the Soufriere Waterfront to assess the damage caused by the hurricane, Emma Hippolyte, the Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere Fond St. Jacques, was seen wearing a green cap adorned with the red star of the St. Lucia Labour Party. This overt display of party allegiance is not only inappropriate but also raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to providing unbiased support to all affected citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.

As the elected representative of the people of Soufriere, it is Hippolyte’s duty to serve the interests of all her constituents, not just those who share her party affiliation. By donning party symbols during an official visit to a disaster-stricken area, she has sent a subtle yet disturbing message that the government’s recovery efforts may be biased towards supporters of the St. Lucia Labour Party. This is a blatant attempt to politicize a humanitarian crisis, which demands unity and collective effort.

Furthermore, it is appalling that Hippolyte saw fit to identify supporters of the opposition party to the visiting Prime Minister. This unnecessary gesture raises questions about the government’s intentions and whether they plan to use this disaster as an opportunity to victimize opposition supporters and reward those loyal to the ruling party. Are supporters of the opposition party not taxpayers, deserving of equal treatment and support in times of need?

This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of partisan politics and the need for citizens to remain vigilant. It is essential to recognize that natural disasters affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their political beliefs. We must reject this kind of divisive politics and demand that our elected officials prioritize the needs of the people over party interests.

I urge the people of St. Lucia to remain aware of these tactics and not be swayed by token gifts or favors. It is time to hold our politicians accountable for their actions and vote for leaders who truly serve the people, not their party’s interests.