Flambeau Train – Don’t Let Detractors Derail Our Mission

By James Stanislaus

As we approach the upcoming General Elections, it is imperative that we, as supporters of the United Workers Party remain focused on our mission to bring about positive change for the people of St. Lucia. Unfortunately, detractors have been attempting to undermine our party’s chances of emerging victorious under the leadership of Allen Chastanet. These claims are baseless, mischievous, and unfounded, and it is crucial that we do not let them sway us from our goal.

Allen Chastanet has a proven track record of success, having led the party to victory in the 2016 general election, a feat matched by only the iconic Sir John Compton the party’s founder, and “Father of the Nation”. No other leader has led the UWP to a general election victory in its 60-year history. Like Sir John, who lost in 1979 and won in the succeeding election in 1982, Allen Chastanet, as the political leader of the United Workers Party, will achieve the same outcome in the upcoming election. I firmly believe that Allen Chastanet is the best person in the party at this time to lead the UWP to victory.

It is essential to remember that the party has had three other leaders who have tried and failed to win general elections. Dr. Vaughn Lewis lost in 1997 and defected to the SLP in 2006. Dr. Morella Joseph lost in 2001 and disappeared from UWP politics.

These examples demonstrate that not all leaders have been able to replicate the success, dedication and loyalty of Sir John Compton and Allen Chastanet.

Recently, a caller to a radio talk show and an article written by anonymous, self-proclaimed experts have made unsubstantiated claims that Allen Chastanet cannot win the next elections. These claims are nothing but baseless, preposterous, and unscientific predictions. I urge you not to be swayed by these attempts to undermine our party’s chances. Instead, focus on the facts, the party’s proven track record, and what you can do to help bring victory to the UWP.

The political leader of the party is determined through a democratic process, as mandated by the party’s constitution. Allen Chastanet was elected by the delegates of the Party. May I add that he was elected unopposed. As per the party’s constitution, any financial member has the right to challenge Allen Chastanet for the position of political leader at the next party convention. I urge the detractors or anyone interested to contend.

It is essential to remember that the party has had three other leaders who have tried and failed to win general elections. Dr. Vaughn Lewis lost in 1997 and defected to the SLP in 2006. Dr. Morella Joseph lost in 2001 and disappeared from UWP politics. STEPHENSON KING, who lost in 2011, subsequently spent 5 years in the Allen Chastanet led administration during which time he harbored an odious agenda to undermine the very party that nurtured his political career. These examples demonstrate that not all leaders have been able to replicate the success, dedication and loyalty of Sir John Compton and Allen Chastanet.

Recently, a caller to a radio talk show and an article written by anonymous, self-proclaimed experts have made unsubstantiated claims that Allen Chastanet cannot win the next elections. These claims are nothing but baseless, preposterous, and unscientific predictions. I urge you not to be swayed by these attempts to undermine our party’s chances. Instead, focus on the facts, the party’s proven track record, and what you can do to help bring victory to the UWP.

The political leader of the party is determined through a democratic process, as mandated by the party’s constitution. Allen Chastanet was elected by the delegates of the Party. May I add that he was elected unopposed. As per the party’s constitution, any financial member has the right to challenge Allen Chastanet for the position of political leader at the next party convention. I urge the detractors or anyone interested to contend. If there are supporters, members, and party well-wishers with genuine concerns about the direction of the party, I encourage their constructive input and open dialogue. The doors are wide open.

We must not allow the detractors to succeed in their attempts to erode our confidence in the party’s leadership. If they prevail, the consequences will be dire: the SLP will continue to mismanage the affairs of the country for another five years, plunging St. Lucia into further financial hardship, exacerbating the healthcare crisis, perpetuating corruption, and allowing crime to escalate. Instead, let us join Allen Chastanet and the party leadership as they diligently lay the groundwork for a UWP victory, which will bring an end to the SLP’s reign and usher in a new era of prosperity and good governance for our nation.

As the wise words of Mahatma Gandhi remind us, “An ounce of practice is worth a pound of preaching.” Let us not be swayed by the empty rhetoric of detractors. Let us remain united and focused on our mission. The Flambeau Train will not be derailed by the negative comments of detractors. We will continue to work together to achieve our goals and bring about positive change for the people of St. Lucia. Let us keep the Flambeau blazing.