Micoud South MP and Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet, decided to boycott the National Independence Baton Relay in his constituency for the third consecutive year.
Chastanet claims that the Micoud South leg of the race, which takes place on Friday February 7th, is the product of victimisation by government officials. The MP says the calls for unity leading up the countryās 46th Independence Anniversary are not consistent with the actions of the Local Government Minister.
āThe actions of local government, which is headed by Richard Frederick, are against unity. And it’s for that reason that I have declined the offer to participate in the relay. I think that if we’re going to ask people to come together as a country and put aside our differences, then it needs to be consistent and it needs to be genuine. And certainly, the ministry has not acted like that,ā remarked Chastanet on the sidelines of a youth parliament sitting on Wednesday.
The relay, which commenced on January 29th at Babonneau showcases the achievements of ordinary Saint Lucians who would have otherwise gone unrecognised. Chastanet, however, accuses the organisers of the relay of hypocrisy and the government of victimising his Office. āWe cannot have a national event, say it’s for unity, but act differently outside of it.ā
Chastanet claims his Office has been the subject of unfair acts by the government and recalled an instance where a member of his detail was transferred as part of ongoing disciplinary procedures.
āAnd remember, this is not the first instance of political victimisation by this government. I recently had this situation with my own security, where my security was given a letter telling me he was transferred to Babonneau. That’s a couple of weeks now. Up to now, no one has called me as the leader of the opposition to say my security is being moved,ā he lamented.
Chastanet has notably refused to attend or participate in any of the previous baton relays.
