Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament for Micoud South, Allen Chastanet, made his first official appearance in Parliament since the United Workers Party’s defeat at the December 1 general election during the February 3 sitting of the House of Assembly.
Chastanet took the Oath of Office and participated in debate on motions and legislative amendments before the House.
Less than an hour into the sitting, however, tensions arose between the Opposition Leader and House Speaker Claudius Francis following Chastanet’s attempt to raise issues related to election reform and campaign financing.
“A discussion I would imagine at some point, which is taking place not only here in Saint Lucia but is taking place around the world, is certainly that of election reform,” Chastanet said. He added that campaign financing was also a critical issue, noting, “I also know that we have appointed a new boundaries commission.”
As Chastanet attempted to reference a 1997 report by the Commonwealth Secretariat, he was interrupted by the Speaker.
“Member for Micoud South, I thought when you requested some relief, it was perhaps because this was your first sitting to thank those people who voted for you, but you are now entering into, for the time being, forbidden territory,” Speaker Francis said. “You are bringing into the debate matters that ought to be a more substantive nature which I certainly cannot permit.”
Following the exchange, Chastanet shifted his focus to acknowledging his constituents and recognizing the passing of prominent Saint Lucians.
“After thanking the Lord, I want to thank all of the constituents of Micoud South for bestowing their confidence on me one more time,” he said, assuring them that he intended “to continue to advocate on their behalf” in Parliament.
Chastanet then paid tribute to veteran journalist Lissa Joseph, describing her as someone he had known for many years.
“A person whose company I enjoyed, a person whom I respected as a journalist,” he said, adding that her passing represented “a great loss for all of us in Saint Lucia.”
He extended condolences to her family and colleagues at DBS, the Government Information Service and others who worked alongside her over the years.
He also reflected on the life of businessman Leslie Clarke, whom he affectionately referred to as “Uncle Leslie.”
“I had the opportunity of being on the board with Mr. Clarke at NDC when I was working as a young economist,” Chastanet recalled, noting that Clarke was “a true Saint Lucian” for whom he had “a great admiration.”
“I am not so sure I have met a person yet that would have a bad word to say about Mr. Clarke,” he said, highlighting not only Clarke’s professional accomplishments and public service, but also his generosity.
“Probably the attribute that we are less familiar with is his philanthropy,” Chastanet noted. “The number of people that Mr. Clarke helped with no fanfare.”
He concluded by extending condolences to Clarke’s family, acknowledging his dedication as a father and his commitment to the development of his children.
The sitting marked Chastanet’s formal return to parliamentary life, signaling both a resumption of political debate and a moment of reflection on the contributions of respected national figures.