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Years of Cacao Vieux-Fort Road Neglect Leave Residents Frustrated and Demanding Action
Residents of Cacao, Vieux-Fort, are raising their voices in frustration over what they describe as decades of abandonment by successive governments. The issue of Cacao Vieux-Fort road neglect has become a rallying cry for the community, as deteriorating infrastructure continues to affect their daily lives. Residents allege that their cries for help have gone unanswered, with no major roadwork projects undertaken in the area for years.
The people of Cacao are now calling out the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration for what they believe is political bias. They suspect that their community is being overlooked for much-needed repairs due to a perceived allegiance to the opposition United Workers Party (UWP). As Cacao Vieux-Fort road neglect worsens, residents say they feel victimized and abandoned by the very leaders they hoped would bring change.
01
of 07Decades of Neglect and Crumbling Infrastructure
The deplorable state of Cacao’s roads has been a longstanding issue, with no major infrastructural upgrades in decades. Residents describe the roads as “terrible” and unsafe, worsened by the absence of proper drainage systems. Heavy rainfall in recent months has turned these roads into a disaster zone, flooding homes and making travel increasingly difficult. One resident shared their frustration, saying, “Last week, the heavy rain caused water to go into the yards of houses in the area.”
Loop St. Lucia News recently visited the community and documented the dilapidated condition of its roads, underscoring the residents’ frustrations. The roads are riddled with potholes, eroded by years of neglect, and in dire need of repair. While the SLP government has invested in road infrastructure in neighboring communities, Cacao remains overlooked, fueling suspicions of deliberate marginalization.
02
of 07Political Bias or Mismanagement?
Residents believe their community is being deliberately bypassed for road repair projects by the SLP Government due to the perception that they predominantly support the United Workers Party (UWP). “Why are they ignoring us and fixing roads in other areas not far from here?” a resident asked. This sentiment has deepened feelings of neglect and alienation among the people of Cacao, who feel their voices are being silenced because of their presumed political leanings.
The frustration is not limited to the current SLP Government. Residents also blame previous governments for failing to address their concerns. “Both administrations have neglected us,” said one community member, highlighting the bipartisan failure to prioritize Cacao’s development.
03
of 07Short-Term Employment Program (STEP): A Missed Opportunity
Adding to their grievances, residents say they have not fully benefitted from the SLP’s government’s Short-Term Employment Program (STEP). Since its introduction, the program has made only sporadic contributions to maintaining the area, with roadside bushes cleared only a handful of times. For many, STEP has become another symbol of the government’s lack of commitment to the community.
04
of 07A Community Forced to Help Itself
Despite being neglected by the government, the people of Cacao have not stood idly by. Demonstrating resilience and community spirit, residents—often in collaboration with the local Seventh-Day Adventist Church—have taken matters into their own hands. Together, they conduct basic maintenance to keep the roads passable. However, their efforts are limited, as the scale of the repairs required is far beyond their resources.
One resident pointed out the importance of the Cacao road to the wider region, noting that it serves as a crucial alternative route for motorists when other roads leading to Vieux-Fort town are impassable due to natural disasters. “This road is vital, but no one seems to care,” the resident added.
05
of 07Voices Ignored, Calls for Action
Over the years, Cacao residents have taken to social media to post videos of the deteriorating road conditions, hoping to attract attention to their plight. Unfortunately, their appeals have gone unanswered. Videos showcasing their struggles have garnered little response from the authorities, further cementing their feelings of neglect.
The people of Cacao are now demanding answers: why has their community been ignored for so long? Why is it that nearby communities benefit from infrastructure projects while their roads remain in disrepair? “We are treated as if we don’t exist,” a frustrated resident remarked, calling on the government to end this pattern of neglect.
06
of 07A Critical Turning Point
The deteriorating roads in Cacao, coupled with accusations of political victimization, highlight a broader issue of equity in infrastructure development across Saint Lucia. Residents are calling on the SLP government to put political biases aside and serve all communities fairly. As they point out, the government’s duty is to ensure the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
The road to Cacao is not just a lifeline for its residents but also a strategic route for the wider region. Its neglect reflects poorly on the country’s ability to prioritize essential infrastructure. For Cacao, this is not just about roads—it is about justice, equality, and the right to be treated as an integral part of the nation.
07
of 07Will the Government Act?
As the voices of Cacao grow louder, they have put the spotlight squarely on the SLP government. Will the administration finally address this issue, or will Cacao’s residents continue to suffer in silence? For now, the community remains resilient, but their patience is wearing thin. The question is no longer whether the roads will be fixed, but whether the government will stand on the right side of history and prioritize the needs of its people over politics.
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