Clarke described the strong showings at the launches as clear evidence of growing momentum within the party. He said the SLP’s supporters have been turning out in large numbers, signaling confidence in the party’s candidates and leadership.
“It means for the Saint Lucia Labour Party that it is well mobilized, and this has been shown in the numbers that appear at our various candidate launches,” Clarke stated.
He noted that the party has so far held successful launches in Castries South East, Vieux Fort South, and Micoud South, each drawing impressive crowds and strong community engagement.
Clarke said the events have been successful not only in numbers but also in the quality of presentations by the candidates.
The scale of support has been evident in the figures: Lisa Jawahir’s candidacy launch drew more than 5,000 supporters, while over 8,000 gathered in unity for the official launch of Danny Butcher last Sunday. Most recently, Dr. Shanda Lee Harracksingh’s launch on October 5th drew a record crowd of more than 10,000 supporters, emphasizing the enthusiasm building across constituencies.
Clarke also addressed criticisms from the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) and its online surrogates, who have attempted to discredit the large gatherings. He dismissed claims circulating on social media that the images of the crowds were “AI-generated,” affirming that the turnouts were genuine.
“Those who attended our launches were not AI-generated; they were real, organic supporters showing up out of commitment and enthusiasm for their candidates and for the Labour Party,” Clarke asserted.
He further highlighted that the Micoud South launch, held in Micoud North, was deliberately relocated after logistical challenges in 2016 prevented thousands from accessing the original venue. The change, he said, ensured greater accessibility and safety for attendees.
“The numbers are very encouraging to the party, because you really want, first of all, to make sure that your base is mobilized, and I think the base is mobilized. There’s a rhythm developing in those launches, a momentum that’s quite encouraging,” Clarke added.
However, Clarke emphasized that while the large crowds are a positive sign, they represent only one aspect of the campaign. The party, he said, remains focused on reaching voters through an extensive ground campaign to engage those who may not attend public rallies.
“Side by side with what’s happening at the national level, there has to be an equally enthusiastic ground campaign,” he explained, describing the SLP’s strategy as a two-pronged approach that blends mass mobilization with direct voter contact.
The SLP is expected to continue its series of candidate launches in the coming weeks, as it builds momentum and strengthens its connection with communities ahead of the next general election.