CASTRIES, St Lucia — Five years of SLP rule have left Saint Lucia facing rising living costs, escalating crime and stalled national development projects, according to a sweeping assessment issued by the United Workers Party.
The opposition argued that the administration failed to build on the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery and said the anniversary gives citizens an opportunity to assess the government’s impact on everyday life.
UWP Assesses Five Years of SLP Rule
According to the UWP, the SLP inherited an economy positioned for recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic after the previous administration implemented measures aimed at reopening the country and preserving employment during the crisis.
The party said the pandemic caused Saint Lucia’s economy to contract by 22 percent while government revenue was cut in half. It argued that decisive action taken during the recovery period contributed to economic growth of 12 percent in 2021 and 18 percent in 2022, creating a platform for continued national development. Readers can learn more about the government’s economic policies and national development initiatives on the Government of Saint Lucia website.
Instead of building on that momentum, the UWP said the current administration reversed or delayed several major national initiatives, including the Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment, housing programmes, the Desert Star Holdings (DSH) project, the proposed Vieux Fort cruise port and the completion of the new St. Jude Hospital.
The opposition argued that greater continuity in these projects could have accelerated economic growth and investment.
Opposition Points to Crime and Stalled Development
The UWP said Saint Lucia has recorded more than 70 homicides annually over the past four years, describing the trend as evidence of a worsening national security crisis.
The party also cited what it described as billions of dollars in foregone investment opportunities, pointing to projects and initiatives involving reforms to the Citizenship by Investment Programme, the Halls of Justice, Global Ports Holding (GPH) developments and the National Lottery Authority.
According to the statement, these delays have reduced opportunities for economic expansion and job creation.
The opposition further highlighted the loss of visa-free access to the United Kingdom and Ireland while expressing concern over uncertainty surrounding future travel arrangements with Europe. The issue has become a major regional priority, with Eastern Caribbean leaders preparing a diplomatic mission to Brussels to engage European Union officials over proposed changes affecting Citizenship by Investment programmes and visa-free travel. Read our previous coverage on the Caribbean’s Brussels mission over EU pressure on CBI programmes.
Cost of Living and Healthcare Among Key Concerns
The UWP said the government has failed to adequately address the rising cost of living, arguing that households continue to face increasing financial pressure.
The party pointed to higher fuel prices, increased bus fares and rising costs for essential goods and services. It also claimed the price of bread has doubled, while water and electricity bills have increased significantly, placing additional strain on families.
The opposition further criticized the cancellation of the electronic school books programme introduced under the previous UWP administration, saying parents are now bearing greater costs for textbooks and other educational materials.
In healthcare, the party said universal health insurance has not been implemented and argued that the new St. Jude Hospital remains incomplete despite years of construction and expenditure exceeding $350 million.
The UWP also said tourism performance remains below 2019 levels and claimed agriculture, including the banana industry, continues to experience decline.
UWP Calls for Greater Accountability
The opposition said the SLP administration’s legacy is increasingly defined by rising taxation, growing national debt, escalating crime, persistent public dissatisfaction and allegations of mismanagement rather than transformational progress.
The party questioned what tangible improvements ordinary Saint Lucians can identify after five years in office and renewed its call for greater accountability, responsible governance and policies aimed at restoring confidence, public safety and long-term economic prosperity.
The UWP said it will continue pressing the administration on crime, the cost of living, national debt and unfinished development projects while advocating for what it described as a clearer plan to restore economic growth and improve the lives of Saint Lucians.
