The opposition United Workers Party (UWP) harshly criticized the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) on its recent ‘Walk of Progress’. The party labelled the walk as a desperate attempt to cover up government failures.
The SLP hosted the event on Sunday.
Opposition Spokesman Lenard ‘Spider’ Montoute criticized the walk as an effort to distract from the country’s pressing issues. He pointed out that the healthcare system is in disarray, and that homicides have reached their highest levels in years, arguing that the Labour government had little to celebrate.
Montoute also questioned why the SLP organized the walk. He noted that it is opposition parties who typically hold such events to highlight government shortcomings. Montoute accused the government of attempting to gauge public sentiment ahead of a possible early election, and suggested the event was more about mobilizing support than reflecting genuine public approval.
In contrast, the SLP promoted the “Walk of Progress” as a celebration of its achievements over the past three years. The party highlighted initiatives such as implementing a minimum livable wage, upgrading sports facilities, launching a semi-professional football league, injecting $100 million into infrastructure, and introducing the “One University Graduate per Household” program.
The SLP had won the July 26, 2021, general elections by a landslide, and Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre explained that the “Walk of Progress” was meant to physically demonstrate public support for the government’s policies.
Source/Photo credit: Saint Lucia Times, ‘Stock Image of SLP March while in opposition’.
