Sir John’s UWP sweeps out Anthony in St Lucia

Dec.15.06

THE YELLOW “FLAMES” of Sir John Compton’s United Workers’ Party (UWP) swept Kenny Anthony’s two-term government out of office in a surprising victory in St Lucia on Monday.

Voters stuffed their frustration with the Kenny Anthony administration into the ballot boxes Monday giving the UWP an 11-6 victory.{{more}}

Dressed in yellow, and loudly singing their up tempo campaign song Flambeau, thousands of UWP supporters descended on Castries Monday night for a massive street party after winning the general election 11-6.

Their festive mood continued as they celebrated returning their beloved “Pa Pa” to office and taking St Lucia “from the blight to the light”.

And, at his Gros Islet home, the congratulatory phone calls, including one from former Jamaica Prime Minister Edward Seaga, started at 5 a.m. and never stopped coming.

Baldwin Spencer on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to Sir John saying that he had achieved a historic accomplishment in returning to office, after having retired.

“There is no doubt that the deep commitment you have for St Lucia extends to the region as a whole, as evidenced by indelible marks you left on the regional integration process. The leading role you played in the emergence of CARICOM and OECS, among others, is unquestionable. I look forward to collaborating with you on the maintenance of regional stability in this dynamic global environment,” Spencer stated.

Grenada Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell also offered congratulations and best wishes to Sir John saying he is a leader with experience and vision and wished him success and prosperity as he prepared to assume office. Prime Minister Mitchell who called Sir John to congratulate him, reflected on the help that Sir John provided to him when he assumed office in 1995.

“When I came into office in 1995 as a young leader, I relied on Sir John’s experience; he gave me sound advice which I treasure to this day. It is heartening to see Sir John return to office.”

Prime Minister Mitchell also noted that Sir John’s experience would play a crucial leadership role within the OECS grouping.

President and CEO of a leading international non-governmental organisation in Washington DC has also offered congratulations.

In a short statement, Lelei LeLaulu said “the people of St Lucia have spoken, and we would like to extend our best wishes to the new Prime Minister, and extend our support to his team as they embark on a new chapter in the sustainable development of St. Lucia”.