Fevrier says the Stephenson King betrays La Clery issue reflects a deeper betrayal of displaced residents
CASTRIES, St Lucia — United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for Castries North Stephen Fevrier has accused former prime minister and current MP Stephenson King of betraying the people of La Clery once again, describing the situation as a clear case where Stephenson King betrays La Clery through a secret land deal with a foreign investor.
Fevrier’s accusation came after King’s appearance on Rev Up FM on October 3, during which the Castries North MP revealed plans to dispose of the property once occupied by the La Clery CDC estate. The land, situated north of the community’s football field, was once a historic focal point in the constituency before it was demolished in 2018 under King’s watch.
Fevrier: residents displaced and forgotten after CDC demolition
Fevrier said the demolition left dozens of residents displaced with a promise of returning to new homes after redevelopment — a promise he claims King has failed to honor. He noted that many of those residents were descendants of victims of the 1948 Castries fire, still waiting for permanent housing decades later.
He cited King’s own 2009 Budget Address, in which the then-prime minister pledged to transform the site into a medium-density housing area featuring commercial space, recreational facilities, and housing opportunities for La Clery residents. Fevrier added that those redevelopment plans resurfaced under the 2016–2021 UWP administration but have since been abandoned in favor of what King now calls a “town centre” featuring condominiums and a hotel.
“Mr. King’s new vision excludes the very people who were promised a place in that community,” Fevrier said. “This is a betrayal of trust and a complete disregard for the displaced families who were never given a fair chance to return home.”
Deal made in secrecy with foreign investor
Fevrier further claimed that the agreement to sell the land was reached following a meeting between King, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, and a foreign investor allegedly linked to the African Import-Export Bank.
“What makes this even more troubling,” Fevrier stated, “is that there was no consultation with the residents, small vendors, or the church — no input from those who live, work, and worship in La Clery. This deal was struck behind closed doors.”
The UWP candidate warned that King’s decision to declare La Clery a “Special Development Zone” could have severe social and economic consequences for residents, making housing even more unaffordable while driving small vendors and informal businesses out of the area.
“Declaring La Clery a Special Development Zone benefits investors, not the people,” Fevrier said. “It risks turning a proud, historic community into a playground for outsiders while erasing its local character.”
Fevrier demands transparency and accountability
Fevrier called on King to release full details of the agreement, accusing him of repeating the same lack of transparency that characterized his role in the controversial SLASPA–Global Ports Holding (GPH) arrangement. Fevrier, who previously issued a detailed statement questioning the terms of that port concession and its implications for national assets, said the parallels are troubling. His earlier remarks on the SLASPA–GPH deal can be read here.
“Given his previous dealings involving national assets, Mr. King owes the people an explanation,” Fevrier said. “We need to know what was promised, who benefits, and what protections — if any — exist for the displaced residents.”
He posed several questions to King, demanding public answers:
– What provisions have been made for the displaced CDC residents?
– What are the terms of the sale, and why are they secret?
– Were local investors given a fair opportunity to participate?
– Has an environmental or economic impact study been conducted?
– Was any Request for Proposal issued publicly?
“These are legitimate questions from a community that has been ignored,” Fevrier stated. “La Clery deserves transparency, not backroom deals.”
Fevrier vows to defend La Clery residents
Stephen Fevrier said he stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of La Clery, including vendors, sports clubs, church groups, and families affected by the demolition.
“I will not stand idly by while the heart of La Clery is sold off in secrecy,” he declared. “Development should benefit the people, not displace them. This is about respect, justice, and accountability.”
Stephenson King, who left the United Workers Party (UWP) in 2021 and later aligned with the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), has not yet publicly responded to the accusations. The proposed development remains undisclosed, but Fevrier insists the community must have a voice before any final agreement is signed.
“This is about more than politics,” he said. “It’s about defending the soul of La Clery and ensuring that no resident is left behind.”
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