Dr Kenny Anthony, elected Prime Minister of St. Lucia
CASTRIES, St Lucia — The opposition St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) was returned to power in Monday’s general election, five years after it was defeated by the United Workers Party (UWP). Meanwhile, in Guyana, chairman of the Elections Commission, Dr Steve Surujbally, called for patience while votes are counted in that country’s general and regional elections.
This was the first time since the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was established in 1973 that two full-member countries of the regional bloc have held general elections on the same day.
According to preliminary results released in St. Lucia on Tuesday, the SLP won 11 of the 17 seats in parliament. If these results are confirmed, the leader of the SLP, Kenny Anthony, will again be sworn in as prime minister, a post he held from 1997-2006.
SLU supporters celebrate return to power
In remarks to local media, Anthony said that his focus will be on the country’s reconstruction and economic development.
The preliminary results matched several surveys that suggested a likely protest vote against the ruling United Workers Party, because of the increase in crime and unemployment, as well as failed government policies.
President of the (the People’s National Party) PNP Portia Simpson Miller of Jamaica congratulated Dr. Kenny Anthony and the St Lucia Labour Party on the party’s victory in yesterday’s election.
She conveyed sincere congratulations on her own behalf and on behalf of the PNP.
She said Dr. Anthony and the St Lucia Labour Party have been returned to power “to continue the work they started to advance the development of the island nation and to improve the lives of its people”.
