Speaking to supporters, Castries South East candidate Lisa Jawahir made it clear that young people and working families remain the driving force behind the party’s priorities.
“I stand before you tonight as a young woman who has fought for space, for opportunity, for a seat at the table. And I want every young Saint Lucian listening to understand, this manifesto was written with you in mind. Youth, you are not a footprint. You are a priority.”
She underscored a wide portfolio of youth-focused initiatives, including new grants, skills training, entrepreneurship pathways, creative industry investment, agricultural incentives, and programs in technology and digital innovation.
“This manifesto gives us access to career opportunities in emerging sectors,” she added.
Since taking office in 2021, the Philip J. Pierre–led administration has established the Youth Economy Agency, opening new employment and entrepreneurial doors for young Saint Lucians.
The 2025 manifesto commits to expanding and modernizing Youth Economy opportunities, building on the foundation established since 2021.
Key initiatives include the introduction of the TURN Programme (Transforming Unemployment into Resilient New businesses), which will target unemployed and at-risk youth through grants, structured training, and comprehensive business development support.
The manifesto also proposes the creation of a virtual marketplace to allow young entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services more easily. Additionally, the SLP plans to roll out specialized training in e-commerce, digital marketing, robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence, supported by global education partnerships and internship placements to prepare young people for emerging industries.
Agriculture will be elevated as a new frontier within the Youth Economy, with dedicated grants to support young farmers entering high-value crop production, including mushrooms, pineapples, cocoa, citrus, and coconuts. Complementing this effort is the introduction of aquaponics programs in Dennery, Gros Islet, Castries, Choiseul, Soufriere, and Anse La Raye, giving youth access to training in modern, sustainable farming systems.
Jawahir said these programs are designed not only to build careers but to ensure that young Saint Lucians can compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Addressing broader social needs, she highlighted that the manifesto speaks directly to families striving for stability and dignity.
“This manifesto is for the mothers and fathers, the seniors, the workers trying to make ends meet, the young people searching for direction. It is for every community that has waited too long for fairness and respect,” she said.
The SLP’s 2025 manifesto outlines a comprehensive plan to expand affordable housing, strengthen community infrastructure, and improve access to essential utilities.
Among its proposals, the party promises to introduce lease-to-own purchase options for public housing units, making homeownership more attainable for low- and middle-income families.
The manifesto also commits to continuing the construction of multi-family housing developments on government-owned lands, including projects in Talvern (Babonneau) and Rock Hall, with additional sites to be developed across the island.
In an effort to ease the financial burden on aspiring homeowners, the SLP plans to partner with financial institutions to offer concessionary interest rates during the first five years of mortgages for first-time homebuyers.
Further, the party pledges to upgrade vulnerable communities with improved water access, modern sanitation services, and climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring safer and healthier living environments.
To safeguard families and property, the SLP will also strengthen national building standards so that homes are constructed to better withstand hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.
Jawahir framed the housing plan as essential to national stability.
“This is more than building houses. It is about building security. It is about building pride. Every family deserves a safe home, a healthy environment, and a community where children can thrive.”