Allen Michael Chastanet (born 20 November 1960[2]) is a Saint Lucian businessman and politician who served as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia from 2016 to 2021.[3] He is currently the Leader of the Opposition of Saint Lucia and the political leader of the United Workers Party as well as the parliamentary representative for Micoud South constituency.[4]

Education

In 1979, Chastanet graduated from high school at Stanstead College in Stanstead, Quebec. He holds a B.A. degree from Bishop's University and an MSc degree from American University.[5][6]

Business career

Chastanet worked as vice president of marketing and sales for Air Jamaica.[5] He is the managing director of the Coco Palm Hotel in Rodney Bay.[7]

Political career

Chastanet and U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019

Chastanet was Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and a member of the Saint Lucian Senate from 2006 to 2011.[5] Chastanet unsuccessfully ran for a parliament seat for Soufriere Constituency in the 2011 general election.[8][9] In 2013, he was elected leader of the opposition United Workers Party.[10] Chastanet won the parliament seat for Micoud South constituency in the 2016 general election.[11] He was sworn in as Prime Minister on 7 June 2016.[12] He held the additional portfolios of Minister of Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service.[13]

On 26 July 2021, Chastanet and his political party United Workers Party were not successful in the 2021 Saint Lucian general election[14] after they were defeated by the Saint Lucia Labour Party by a landslide.

Political positions

In April 2022, Chastanet stated his support for Saint Lucia to become a republic.[15]

Personal life

Chastanet is the son of businessman Michael Chastanet.[16] Allen Chastanet is married to attorney-at-law Raquel DuBoulay-Chastanet. They have two children.[17][18][12]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Chastanet Says SLP Using His Skin Colour, Birthplace To Remove Him From Politics". St. Lucia Times. 14 November 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  2. ^ "St Lucia's PM shares cute baby photo for 60th birthday". Jamaica Observer. 2020-11-20. Retrieved 2022-09-29.
  3. ^ "Philip J. Pierre will be St Lucia's new Prime Minister". News784. Archived from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  4. ^ "St Lucia Labour Party wins general elections 2021". News784. Archived from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  5. ^ a b c "Outspoken Chastanet takes up tourism". Caribbean360.com. 20 December 2006. Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  6. ^ "Chastanet accepts Caribbean Travel Personality of the Year award 'with". StLuciaWeek.com. 15 November 2009. Archived from the original on 31 August 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  7. ^ "Chastanet Returns to Coco Palm". The St. Lucia Mirror. 16 February 2013. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  8. ^ "Opposition party wins general election in St. Lucia". i-witness-news.com. 29 November 2011. Archived from the original on 2012-04-19. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  9. ^ "Chastanet Still In". The Voice. 11 May 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-07-24. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  10. ^ "Chastenet new UWP leader in St Lucia". Nationnews.com. 29 July 2013. Archived from the original on 1 August 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  11. ^ "UWP wins Saint Lucia elections". St. Lucia Times. 6 June 2016. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  12. ^ a b "Allen Chastanet sworn in new St Lucia PM". Jamaica Observer. 7 June 2016. Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  13. ^ "Ministers and their Portfolios June 2016" (PDF). www.govt.lc/. Government of Saint Lucia.
  14. ^ "SLP wins landslide victory in St Lucia general election". Loop News St Lucia. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  15. ^ Gaillard, Sharefil (28 April 2022). "Former St Lucia PM says time has come for country to become a republic". Loop. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  16. ^ Brown, Jade (29 July 2015). "Michael Chastanet on qualifications saga". HTS Channel 4.
  17. ^ "Happy birthday Digicel!". Jamaica Observer. 22 April 2002. Archived from the original on 2016-06-25. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  18. ^ "Political Atheist". St. Lucia Star. 5 August 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
Political offices
Preceded by Prime Minister of Saint Lucia
2016–2021 		Succeeded by