The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has officially endorsed two new candidates for the upcoming general elections, constitutionally due in July 2026. In a press release issued on July 14, the party confirmed that Mr. Danny Butcher will contest the Vieux Fort South seat, while Senator Lisa Jawahir will vie for the Castries South East constituency.
Mr. Butcher, 39, is a teacher by profession with both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Education. He will be stepping into the political arena following the retirement of veteran MP Dr. Kenny Anthony, who has served the Vieux Fort South constituency for several decades.
Senator Lisa Jawahir, 36, is the current Communications Director of the SLP and a Communications Business Executive. She has served in the Senate since 2020 and holds a Master's degree in Strategic Communication. Jawahir will replace incumbent MP Joachim Henry, who previously defeated former UWP MP Guy Joseph in the 2021 general elections after an unsuccessful bid in 2016.
Addressing the media on Monday, Prime Minister and Political Leader of the SLP, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, praised both outgoing and incoming representatives and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
“I want to thank Joachim Henry for his service to the party. He served in the Senate, ran elections, and served as a minister with conviction,” Pierre stated.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the selection of candidates followed the party’s established democratic procedures.
“Our party has processes, and everyone who joins our party agrees to them. Senator Lisa Jawahir is the endorsed candidate for Castries South East. Danny Butcher has been endorsed for Vieux Fort South. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, these are the two candidates contesting the elections for the Saint Lucia Labour Party,” he said.
Pierre expressed confidence in the candidates and satisfaction with the conduct of the internal selection campaigns, noting, “I want to thank them for the disciplined manner in which they ran their campaign.”
He also took the opportunity to reflect on the strength and legacy of the Labour Party.
“Nobody is stronger than the Labour Party. The Labour Party is older than all of us in this room, including me. It is the party of George Charles and the people of Saint Lucia. No one individual or leader is stronger than the party.”
Reiterating the importance of adhering to established procedures, Pierre reminded the public that the same process which selected Lisa Jawahir was the one that saw Joachim Henry rise to candidacy and eventually victory in 2021. “The party is standing by its processes,” he declared.