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]

Allen Chastanet
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia
In office
7 June 2016 – 28 July 2021
MonarchElizabeth II
Governors GeneralPearlette Louisy
Neville Cenac
Preceded byKenny Anthony
Succeeded byPhilip J. Pierre
Leader of the Opposition of Saint Lucia
Assumed office
28 July 2021
MonarchsElizabeth II
Charles III
Preceded byPhilip J. Pierre
In office
28 July 2013 – 6 June 2016
MonarchElizabeth II
Preceded byStephenson King
Succeeded byKenny Anthony
Member of Parliament for Micoud South
Assumed office
7 June 2016
Personal details
Born
Allen Michael Chastanet

(1960-11-20) 20 November 1960 (age 64)
Martinique[1]
Political partyUnited Workers Party
SpouseRaquel DuBoulay
ParentMichael Chastanet
Alma materBishop's University
American University

Education

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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

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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

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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

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

Personal life

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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

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References

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  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