A new leadership team has been elected to head the Saint Lucia Civil Service Association following a closely watched and highly competitive poll on Wednesday, April 29, marked by a record number of candidates and heightened member engagement.
With twenty-seven contenders on the ballot, anticipation had been building for what many viewed as a pivotal moment in the union’s direction. Election Commission member Ananias Auguste pointed to a steady rise in participation over recent cycles.
“During my first term, we had about 400 and something voters out of 3,000 members… the second election we had more, we had seven, almost 800,” he said. “This time around… I am expecting a far better turnout, because there is a lot of activity, a lot of campaigning taking place, and a lot of candidates.”
Auguste noted that extensive logistical arrangements were put in place to accommodate voters across the island.
“We have 10 polling stations in all. Three are mobile… we have tried to facilitate their voting by bringing out the polling stations to them,” he explained.
By 9:30 pm, the results were declared, confirming Nickson Barry as President with 256 votes. Samantha Auguste secured the position of 1st Vice President with 401 votes, while Andrew Charles was elected 2nd Vice President with 345 votes. The post of 3rd Vice President went to Kim Willie, who received 459 votes.
In the other executive positions, Gezielle Warrington was elected Treasurer with 452 votes, Monica Cyril-Joseph became Secretary with 230 votes, and Stacy Placide was chosen as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer with 398 votes.
The newly elected Trustees are Sheba Regis with 471 votes, Geof George with 446 votes, and Mary James with 298 votes.
The scale of the contest and the breadth of participation are being seen as indicators of renewed interest in the union’s governance, with the incoming executive expected to navigate ongoing concerns around transparency, accountability and organizational direction.