Introduction

Dr Kenny Anthony returned to office as prime minister on 30 Nov. 2011, having previously served two consecutive terms from 1997 to 2006. After electoral defeat in Dec. 2006, he remained leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) in opposition before returning to power.

Early Life

Kenny Davis Anthony was born on 8 Jan. 1951. He studied law at the University of the West Indies before studying for a PhD at Birmingham University in the United Kingdom.

He joined the SLP on his return to St Lucia, serving as minister of education from 1980–81. A former consultant to the United Nations on its development programmes, Anthony was also a member of the Caribbean Community secretariat from 1995–97 and served as chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. He became SLP leader in 1996 and was sworn in as prime minister for the first time in May 1997.

In his first term Anthony was at the centre of a dispute with the USA and World Trade Organization over alleged preferential treatment for former colonial banana suppliers to the European Union. In Sept. 2002 tropical storm Lili hit the island, devastating the banana crop and exacerbating economic problems. The government sought to diversify the economy, with a focus on increasing investment in tourism. Anthony also oversaw extensive domestic infrastructure development, while education spending rose significantly.

However, he was criticized for St Lucia’s high levels of borrowing, with the debt-to-GDP ratio standing at around 63% in 2005. Meanwhile, the crime rate remained stubbornly high, despite the passage of a new criminal code. In July 2003 parliament amended the constitution to replace the oath of allegiance to the British monarch with a pledge of loyalty to the St Lucian people (although Queen Elizabeth II remained head of state).

At the general election of 11 Dec. 2006, the SLP won only six seats against 11 for the United Workers Party, headed by Sir John Compton. Anthony nonetheless retained his own constituency and continued as leader of the SLP. Compton died in Sept. 2007 and was succeeded as prime minister by Stephenson King. During his time in opposition, Anthony visited Cuba, where he thanked the Cuban administration for its aid to St Lucia and other Caribbean nations. In the general election held in Nov. 2011 the SLP were returned to power, taking 11 of the available 17 seats.

Career Peak

With the economy in need of urgent attention, Anthony warned the island’s population that ‘difficult times lie ahead’. He also faced a strained relationship with Taiwan following St Lucia’s establishment of diplomatic ties with China during his previous tenure.

Legislation criminalizing gang membership came into force in June 2014 with the aim of countering a growing threat from gang-associated violence on the island.

Anthony’s third term came to an end in June 2016 following the SLP’s defeat at parliamentary elections that month.