Allen Chastanet
The Lucian People’s Movement (LPM) has accused United Workers Party Leader Allen Chastanet of exhibiting political immaturity and has said he lacks the “acumen” to successfully hold the post of prime minister of Saint Lucia.
The LPM was speaking in relation to reports that Chastanet had taken offense with Opposition Leader Stephenson King’s decision to agree to attend a meeting with Prime Minister Kenny Anthony to discuss the impact of Christmas Eve trough.
According to media reports, Dr Anthony had requested to meet with King and other stakeholders to deliberate on the way forward to deal with the damage caused by the inclement weather.
But an article on Caribbean News Now states that Chastanet reportedly found fault with King opting not to consult with him before agreeing to attend.
It is understood that Chastanet has since written a letter of reprimand to King for that decision.
The LPM in a statement questioned Chastanet’s understanding of the roles of an opposition leader as opposed to a party leader.
The statement, which is an invited comment sent to Caribbean News Now, has been posted below:
“While generally the party has no interest in Chastanet’s ongoing attempts to secure absolute power for himself within the UWP, his latest behaviour points to a certain level of political immaturity, and of one who lacks the personal attributes or acumen to become prime minister of Saint Lucia.
“Clearly, his overambitious attempt to assert political authority over Mr Stephenson King, and to belittle his constitutional role as leader of the opposition, affirms our belief within the Lucian People’s Movement that Mr Chastanet is more interested in perpetuating further political division than embracing the concept of bi-partisanship which is so vital in lifting the country out of its current misery.
“Mr Stephenson King ‘s role as leader of the opposition should never be compromised to achieve political advantage for the UWP, especially in the aftermath of a dreadful rainstorm which has claimed lives, and deepened the country’s economic woes.
“Like other things in life, politics does have its place and time. Therefore, unless Kenny Anthony and his government resort to their former selves by proving that they are unworthy of national cooperation, we, the political parties that constitute the umbrella opposition to his government, must be willing to give the concept of national unity a chance to thrive.”