My journey into community work and eventually politics began through sports. After earning a basketball scholarship to the United States, my whole world opened up. I saw the business of sports firsthand and realized how much untapped talent we had growing up in La Clery. Back then, we were often told that pursuing sports was a waste of time, yet it was this very passion that gave many of us purpose and opportunity.
In the early 1990s, I started helping teammates find scholarships in the United States. At first it was not systematic but while teaching at Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School, I began structuring my efforts more formally. I ran elite basketball camps, brought American coaches to Saint Lucia, and created opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talent. Later, my experiences in Saudi Arabia and Taiwan expanded my vision. In Taiwan especially, I structured programs that helped students who were strong academically but weaker in extracurriculars gain admission into top US universities.
Alongside my passion for youth and sports development, I pursued business and education. With a background in physical education, sociology, and business, I combined my skills to balance community work with building a career that could support my family.
When I returned to Saint Lucia in 2011, I tried working with our parliamentary representative, Stephenson King, to improve facilities like the La Clery basketball court and even launched small community initiatives. But those efforts were limited, and I began to see deeper problems – rising crime, youth unemployment, and a community that was slowly deteriorating. By 2016, I was looking seriously at politics as a way to bring real change.
In 2021, I reached out to the Labour Party with a plan focused on youth development, employment, and community renewal. But history took its course – the party never ran a candidate in Castries North. So, I continued working in the community. Over the last four years, I have watched our representative, fail to translate the Labour Party’s national agenda, particularly its focus on youth empowerment, into meaningful action for Castries North.
That is why I am now running as an independent candidate. I cannot support a representative who served in government but did nothing for his constituency. My movement is built on a foundation of youth development; healthcare and security; transparency and accountability; infrastructure for all communities; and opportunities for success for every Saint Lucian regardless of political party affiliation.
This is not about red nor yellow – it is about unity, fairness, and building a future where no one is left behind.