The former Chief Economist and first-time candidate says his campaign will focus on inclusive governance and elevating the quality of life for residents.

"I'm certainly under no illusion that it's going to be a walk in the park. Absolutely not," Descartes said in a recent interview, acknowledging the challenge of unseating two-term incumbent, Dr. Ernest Hilaire.

“I bring a freshness to the politics, a politics of inclusion, a politics that will articulate a clear vision for what Castries South can be.”

Descartes criticised the current state of development in Castries South, claiming that the constituency has not seen meaningful progress in years. “All of the development that we've seen in Castries South — from daycare centres to roads — was during a 10-year period under Desmond Brown. That was what I call the golden era of development in Castries South. After that, there's been no significant development.”

Appealing directly to residents, Descartes questioned the returns on their long-standing political loyalty. “You have been loyal to the Labour Party. You have been loyal to this political organisation. And what has been the benefit to you as a constituent?” he asked.

He says his vision for Castries South includes improved infrastructure, better social services, and more economic opportunities for residents. “I’ve been coming to them with a clear vision, articulating how we can improve the quality of lives in this constituency, raise the quality of incomes, raise the quality of households.”

As he prepares to launch his campaign in earnest, Descartes pledged to meet with constituents face to face: “I am looking forward to knocking on doors and walking the corridors to meet every single person in Castries South. Now, more than ever, we need to bring the UWP back into power and, importantly, usher in a new era of development for Castries South.”

Incumbent Dr. Hilaire has won the seat twice, defeating firstly Mary Isaac and then Bertran Johannes. Hilaire has been credited with championing education programmes, social interventions, small infrastructure works and sporting investments in his constituency.

 As Tourism and Investment Minister, Hilaire has overseen more than three tourism investments in his constituency, including the Bananes Bay redevelopment, the Anse Fere Lookout and the Marigot Beach Park.