The political baton was officially passed in Vieux Fort South on September 28 as former prime minister and longtime MP Dr Kenny D Anthony endorsed his successor, Danny Butcher, at a launch rally attended by thousands of Saint Lucia Labour Party supporters.
The event marked a pivotal shift in the constituency’s political chapter, as Anthony, one of Saint Lucia’s longest-serving parliamentarians, prepares to step away from elective politics after nearly three decades of service.
“I am here to pass the baton to Danny Butcher, the successor chosen by the Saint Lucia Labour Party, so he too can complete the next leg of the never-ending relay,” Anthony declared, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Noting the circular nature of political service, he reminded supporters that he too had once stood at a similar starting point when first endorsed in 1997. Now, he said, the time had come for new leadership.
“I have made my own history. It is now time for Danny to make his own history.”
Butcher, who served as Anthony’s campaign manager during the last election, accepted the endorsement with fire and resolve.
“I accept, I accept, I accept your endorsement to be the candidate that will run on the Saint Lucia Labour Party ticket in the next general election!” he exclaimed
From there, Butcher wasted no time laying out his vision for Vieux Fort South, plans shaped, he emphasised, by the input and aspirations of the people he hopes to serve.
Promising a future rooted in opportunity and modern development, Butcher proposed a wide range of community-centered projects:
- A beach park complete with picnic zones, art murals, jogging paths, beach football pitches, water sport rentals, children’s playgrounds, and vendor booths.
- A world-class bus terminal and competitive vendors market designed to bring order, convenience, and pride to public transport and small enterprise.
- Greater road connectivity and infrastructure that supports economic activity and community access.
- A redeveloped seaport, reimagined as a trade and tourism hub equipped with modern cargo sheds, yacht services for regional travelers, digital scheduling systems, and bonded warehouses.
“The potential of the seaport cannot be denied,” Butcher said. “Together, we will expand the seaport services… This will be a breakthrough in the regional tourism market, creating jobs and uplifting the social climate in our community.”
He also laid out plans to transform the George Odlum Stadium into a modern sporting city anchored by a High-Performance Centre at the Philip Marcellin Grounds, one he hopes will be named in honour of local sporting and community icon, the late Emmanuel Bellas.
Throughout his speech, Butcher’s message was one of continuity, service, and deep personal connection to the community that raised him.
“I know we share common experiences,” he said in closing. “I am the Danny Boy you nurtured, you watched grow, and it is because of you, I am the man ready to serve”
