Caribbean News Service (CNS).
CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Jun 07 2016 – An emotional Allen Michael Chastanet was sworn in Tuesday as the sixth Prime Minister of St. Lucia since the island attained political independence from Britain in 1979 vowing to unite the country following Monday’s general election.
Chastanet, an economist and hotelier, took the oath of office before Dame Perette Louisy at Government House on the outskirts of the capital. The brief ceremony was witnessed by family members including his 82-year-old father, Michael, as well as his wife and two children.
Several of the victorious members of the United Workers Party (UWP) were also present and Chastanet, at time his voice choking with emotion, thanked the population for giving him an opportunity to lead the island over the next five years.
“Thank you St. Lucians of all categories for listening and going out in large numbers yesterday and exercising your constitutional rights,” he said, adding “yesterday you voted for change and the United Workers Party is ready to bring about the change you want”.
The UWP won 11 of the 17 seats at stake in Monday’s general election, ousting the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) that was seeking a second consecutive term under the leadership of Dr. Kenny Anthony.