The Opposition United Workers’ Party is on record demanding an early election date. According to the UWP, the Pierre Administration has “failed” at running the country. The General Secretary dispels speculations that the party is preparing for a premature general election date stating the party has other priorities at present.

“We want the party to get its best chance at winning the next general elections. I will certainly not say there will be early elections, and I would be out of place to suggest there would be one. From my place in the party, I have not heard any discussion at this point about the date of the elections,” Clarke said at the recently held SLP press conference.

The General Secretary says the party will continue making suggestions to the government as it relates to the current socioeconomic situation. He also says the party remains committed to fulfilling the manifesto promises in order to maintain the electorate’s trust.

“The discussion that’s going on in the party is how can the government continue to improve the situation in the country by strengthening some of the programmes that are in place in the health sector, in the education sector, in the youth sector. Also to ensure that we do not go into another election and St. Jude Hospital is not completed. That’s where the focus is at this point, not when we are going to have another general election.”

Of particular interest to Saint Lucians is the total completion of the St. Jude Hospital, following its destruction by fire some 14 years ago. Securing funding from the Saudi Fund for Development, the Prime Minister provided the assurance that SJH will be finished prior to the next general elections. Clarke also clarified that only the Prime Minister is responsible for determining an election date.