The former educator drew large crowds and received high-profile endorsements, including from current Babonneau MP Dr Virginia Albert-Poyotte. His message to voters emphasized community roots, resilience, and a promise to be a visible, working representative.
“My mission is simple, but sincere. Everyone included, everyone empowered. John Paul for all,” Estephane told supporters.
He painted a vivid picture of his upbringing in Des Barras and the hardships that shaped him. “I am a product of the resilience of the Des Barras community, a self-reliant community, which until recently, relatively recently that is, we had no electricity, no pipe-borne water. I prepared for all my major exams, common entrance, CXC, A levels, under the light of a kerosene-powered hurricane lamp.”
Estephane contrasted his local roots with what he cast as an opponent’s outsider status.
“I am not like my opponent who was parachuted into the community and is scrambling to make friends, to understand the game of sports as he tries to rediscover Babonneau. No, I have always been here, volunteering and giving my time and expertise. And I will always be there, even more so when we win. This is who I am, John Paul for all.”
Agriculture and market access featured prominently in Estephane’s remarks. He highlighted Babonneau’s contribution to the island’s food supply and thanked ministers for recent support to farmers.
“Given our proximity to the capital and the hotel belt, a large number of vendors in the Castries market hail from Babonneau, selling produce from their farms and gardens. In the supermarket, much of our local produce found on the shelves, whether it be golden eggs, vegetables or pork, comes from Babonneau. We are grateful for the initiatives by Minister Prosper for providing fertilizer subsidies, better access to markets and ensuring farmers have water tanks.”
Dr Virginia Albert-Poyotte offered robust backing at the launch and urged voters to mobilize behind Estephane.
“John Estephane – tell him buckle his boots, get ready to hit the road in Babonneau because Babonneau is staying with Labour. I want to give him the courage. I want to give him the support. And I call on the people in Babonneau to work hard so that we deliver this Babonneau seat to the Saint Lucia Labour Party.”
The launch also drew family ties to the fore. Estephane’s brothers, former House Speaker Andy Daniel and former MP Edmund Estephane, both of whom served under the previous administration, were in attendance. Their presence underscored the candidate’s broad personal and political networks while signaling a unity of family behind his campaign.
Estephane closed with a pledge of steady service and accessibility.
“My story of resilience and hope was shaped by a community that still believes it takes a village to raise a child. A community that depended on our charcoal, furine making and cutting of timber. A community reliant on the good man's spirit for cleaning up our surroundings and our community facilities.”
He promised to be the kind of representative who is seen on the ground, working with residents to turn local assets into sustained opportunities.
Campaign activities in Babonneau are expected to intensify as political parties sharpen their messages ahead of the general election. For now, Estephane’s launch has set a tone of roots, service, and agricultural focus as he seeks to secure the SLP’s hold on the constituency.