Minister of Sports Kenson Casimir exposed himself to intense public criticism following claims he made during a pre-cabinet press briefing about the controversial Cacabef lease agreement. Casimir alleged that the deal, which has sparked widespread backlash, was signed during the United Workers Party (UWP) administration in 2017. However, official documents have since surfaced, showing that the lease was signed on December 9, 2013, under the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration.
This revelation has left Kenson Casimir exposed and raised questions about the SLP’s honesty and governance. Critics argue that the administration’s repeated efforts to deflect responsibility onto the UWP reflect a troubling pattern of deception and incompetence. The cacabef lease agreement, which granted Rubis the right to establish a fuel terminal at the Cacabef site, has become a flashpoint for public frustration over government accountability.
How was Kenson Casimir Exposed by His Misleading Claims?
Kenson Casimir’s statements during the briefing painted a picture of ignorance and absolution: “We discovered quite recently that the cacbef lease agreement was signed in the year 2017,” he said in a DBS news report, emphasizing that he was not in government at the time. He further stated that the Attorney General’s Chambers were only now reviewing the lease to uncover the details.
These statements now stand in direct contradiction to the evidence. The cacabef lease agreement, signed under the SLP government in 2013, facilitated Rubis’s plans to establish a fuel terminal on the Cacabef site—a project that has faced significant public backlash.
UWP Left to Clean Up the SLP’s Mess
The UWP inherited the cacabef lease controversy upon taking office and sought to address its implications with pragmatic solutions. One key effort involved attempting to negotiate with Rubis and Sol to consolidate their fuel operations at an existing terminal. This approach aimed to avoid the construction of two separate depots and minimize disruption to national infrastructure. However, negotiations fell through, likely exacerbated by the UWP’s loss in the 2021 general elections, which caused a shift in government priorities.
At the same time, the UWP worked to address the impact of the redevelopment of Hewanorra International Airport, which included the Cacabef site. In a 2020 Facebook post, then-Prime Minister Allen Chastanet shared plans to relocate drag racing to a proposed site in Dennery. The post highlighted the administration’s commitment to finding a new permanent home for motorsports.
“The sport of Drag Racing in Saint Lucia has become synonymous with ‘the Base’ or what it is more commonly known as the ‘Cacabef,’” Chastanet wrote. “Given that work on the new Hewanorra International Airport has commenced and includes the site of the ‘Cacabef’ as part of the new airport project, we are working with local Motorsport entrepreneurs and enthusiasts to find a new permanent home for motorsports.”
Chastanet detailed a visit to the Dennery site alongside the Minister for Youth and Sports, Edmund Estephane, and other officials, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to working with the motorsports community to develop a facility that would elevate the sport to the next level.
Group discussion at the proposed drag racing site in Dennery, highlighting proactive efforts as Kenson Casimir exposed for failing to address the Cacabef lease controversy.
The proposed Dennery site highlighted the UWP’s proactive approach to finding long-term solutions while managing the challenges posed by agreements left behind by the SLP. In contrast, the current administration’s focus on deflecting responsibility has only deepened public frustration over the handling of the Cacabef lease agreement.
Pattern of Deception
This is not the first instance of the SLP attempting to rewrite history. From deflecting blame for stalled projects to denying responsibility for unfavorable agreements, the administration has repeatedly sought to shift accountability onto the UWP. Casimir’s claims regarding the Cacabef lease agreement are the latest in a series of attempts to obscure the SLP’s role in questionable decisions.
“This is a government that seems more interested in spinning narratives than solving problems,” said one critic. “They are caught lying time and again, and yet they expect the public to trust them.”
Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
The public’s reaction has been swift and scathing. A petition launched earlier this month has garnered over 1,200 signatures, calling for construction on the Cacabef site to be postponed until a proper motorsports facility can be established elsewhere. Residents of the south, who frequently use the site for motorsports, driving lessons, and exercise, have expressed outrage over the government’s failure to consult with affected communities.
“This government cannot continue to deceive the people and expect us to stay silent,” one petitioner stated.
What’s Next for the Lease Agreement?
While Casimir has promised to revisit the lease, his credibility remains in question. The Attorney General’s review will determine whether the government can terminate or amend the agreement without significant financial penalties. However, many see this as too little, too late, and question why the government allowed the situation to escalate to this point.
Casimir’s statements about establishing a state-of-the-art motorsports facility in the north have also drawn criticism, as many see this as yet another deflection tactic to avoid addressing the immediate concerns surrounding the Cacabef site.
A Clear Pattern of Incompetence
The SLP’s handling of the Cacabef lease and its attempts to blame the UWP highlight a troubling trend of incompetence and dishonesty. The administration’s inability—or unwillingness—to own up to its mistakes has eroded public trust and left many questioning its capacity to govern effectively.
As the story unfolds, one thing remains clear: the public’s patience is running thin.
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