In a recent article published in the Voice newspaper, he, an old father, makes a political plea for his spoiled and privileged son. In the cited article, Michael seems to confuse his timelines and absolve himself from the monster he helped create/spawn. 

Whilst Allen Chastanet is not responsible for where he was born, he is entirely responsible for the identity he chose to highlight for and of himself. It is he who proclaimed himself a proud “Canadian product”, whilst it is Michael who had him cloistered away from the Saint Lucian culture and spirit, because of his class and, dare one says, color. 

It is Michael Chastanet who sat on a radio program with a politically neutered Peter Josie, and allowed, without objection, him to suggest that PJP's colour made him unsuitable for the office of Prime Minister, whilst Allen's own gave him international favor. Because Michael thought it would benefit his son, he raised no objection, nor offered any pushback to Josie. Now that Allen's colour is no longer seen as an "asset" in a more conscious population, he has the temerity to lament racism in our politics? 

"Allen”, Michael says, “championed inclusivity of all Saint Lucians”. He seems to forget that Allen is the architect of the "Belrose Doctrine".  He's forgotten that Allen's first big decision as Minister of Tourism was to fire 10 tourism hostesses in Soufriere,  whose monthly salary was only $750, whilst his own phone bill, of nearly $7000, was being paid by the Tourist Board. 

Whatever Allen's work ethic, his public record is not one of "putting people first", as he acknowledges not to know what that means. Michael's faded memory, or is it evidence of creeping senility, in a mouthful, said that Allen's leadership was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic because it forced his government to borrow heavily just to keep the country afloat, and that under his guidance, Saint Lucia rebounded faster than many predicted, whilst it was the pandemic that disrupted his administration’s momentum. 

The record will show that Allen's profligate borrowing began before COVID-19, which is what led to the government’s cash flow problems encountered during the pandemic. Further, the economy had already contracted in 2019, well before COVID forced any shutdowns. However, most fundamental it is the skilful management capabilities of PJP that has shepherded Saint Lucia's economic recovery, allowing the country to record 4 consecutive years of above 3 % growth, performance not seen since the glory days of a protected banana market between 1983-1986. This growth is accompanied by record lows in unemployment. Every sector and demographic group has benefited from the policies of PJP. The same could and was never claimed under Allen Chastanet. 

Commentary by Justin T. Charles