Addressing supporters at a Dennery North community meeting on Wednesday evening, Estephane announced his full support for Dennery North MP Alfred Prospere and the Philip J. Pierre Administration, calling for continuity of leadership grounded in integrity and national unity.
Estephane’s declaration follows a string of high-profile UWP defections. Apart from Andy Daniel, the former UWP Chairman and Speaker of the House who recently endorsed Prime Minister Pierre, former Minister for Infrastructure and Health Stephenson King, the MP for Castries North, famously broke ranks with the UWP in 2021, citing similar concerns about the party’s moral and leadership direction.
The former Sports Minister’s endorsement of the SLP comes amid mounting criticism from opposition supporters after his brother, John Paul Estephane, was officially endorsed by the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) as its candidate for Babonneau.
UWP members and online commentators blasted Edmund Estephane for supporting his brother’s campaign, accusing him of political betrayal.
But Estephane was unapologetic.
“Tell me, what is wrong with supporting my brother?” he asked defiantly, as cheers erupted from the crowd.
“This is my people. I have seen it, I have lived it. And I will not apologize for standing on the side of honesty, service, and accountability.”
In a fiery, emotionally charged address, Estephane accused the UWP, under Allen Chastanet’s leadership, of “losing its soul” and straying from the vision of the party’s founder, Sir John Compton.
“We gave him an opportunity, and he failed us,” Estephane declared, referring to the leadership of Allen Chastanet. “We will never, ever, ever allow Allen Chastanet to lead this country again. Not after what we have seen. Not after what we have lived. Saint Lucia deserves better.”
The former MP, who once campaigned vigorously under the UWP banner, said his disillusionment grew over years of “elitist politics” and “a lack of respect for the people’s struggles.”
“It’s not about red or yellow anymore,” he said. “It’s about truth, about our children, our future, our dignity as a people. The United Workers Party I knew no longer exists. What’s there now is something else entirely.”
Estephane called on his former supporters to “finish the mission” by standing behind the current administration and ensuring that Saint Lucia continues on a path of “accountability and people-centered governance.”
“This government, it’s not perfect, but it is honest, it is real, and it is working for you,” he said. “So stand up for what’s right and reject what’s wrong.”
Ending his address with a forceful refrain that resonated across the crowd, Estephane vowed that his rejection of Chastanet’s leadership was final.
“Never again,” he said firmly. “Never again will I stand by and watch my country be led by someone who cannot feel the heartbeat of the people.”