Nomination Day, a legal requirement that locks in candidates ahead of a general election, is widely viewed as the first true test of organizational muscle and preparedness. Casimir’s entrance left little doubt about where he believes the momentum lies.

“I am very confident, landslide victory in Gros Islet, no doubt about it,” the first-term MP declared shortly ahead of filing his papers. “We have worked over the last four and a half years. The people know the parliamentary representative. They know the person they’re about to go and nominate, and they know that they’ve seen progress in the constituency like they’ve never done before.”

Supporters lined the street, chanting and waving placards as the incumbent made his way to the nomination centre. The turnout appeared designed to send a message that his base is energized, organized, and ready.

Responding to what he described as a coordinated smear campaign from the opposition, Casimir dismissed the attacks as desperate and ineffective.

“It’s their politics of propaganda and lies, so I don’t think my people and supporters will succumb to that,” he said. “They have seen it with their eyes, and you’re trying to tell people what they see with their eyes is not what actually happened. That is a very difficult task they have. And as you can see, the people are with me. They are standing behind me because they know me, and together we are very confident.”

Casimir is seeking a second term after first winning the seat in 2021.

Nomination Day could not be without its drama on the other side of the political divide when opposition candidate Marcella Johnson narrowly avoided disqualification.

Johnson reportedly misplaced the bag containing her required nomination documents, triggering a frantic search as the 12:00 p.m. deadline approached.

With just 30 minutes remaining, Johnson arrived at the nomination centre, signed the necessary forms, and paid her $500 deposit, the fee mandated by election law to complete the nomination process.

Election officials confirmed she met the requirements just in time.

With filings now complete, the race for Gros Islet is officially set, and Thursday’s show of force indicates the contest will be fiercely fought. Casimir exits Nomination Day with momentum and confidence, while Johnson’s near-miss underscores the pressure and high stakes facing challengers in the island’s most closely watched constituencies.