Introduction

Stephenson King took office in Sept. 2007 to become St Lucia’s ninth prime minister since independence in 1979. He succeeded Sir John Compton, who died in office, and served until Nov. 2011.

Early Life

King was born on 13 Nov. 1958. He entered parliament in 1987, representing the United Workers Party (UWP), and was appointed minister for community development, social affairs, youth and sport. He held a range of portfolios in the governments of Sir John Compton in the 1990s including health, local government, and information and broadcasting. From 1997–2006 the UWP was in opposition, with King serving in various capacities, including party general secretary. After winning the Castries North seat for the UWP in the Dec. 2006 general election, King was appointed minister for health and labour relations.

Career Peak

From May to Sept. 2007 King served as acting prime minister as Compton’s health went into decline. Compton died on 7 Sept. Amid rumours that two UWP MPs were withholding support for King to succeed Compton unless they were given cabinet posts, all ten UWP representatives in the House of Assembly finally agreed on his appointment. King was sworn in as prime minister by Governor-General Dame Pearlette Louisy on 9 Sept.

In his first cabinet, King appointed himself minister of finance (including international financial services), external affairs, home affairs and national security. Tackling gang culture and the drugs trade was his first priority. He also sought US investment for the development of Castries into a major cruise ship and yachting destination. In late 2007, following wide-ranging price rises across the Caribbean, King announced price caps on certain food items. In Dec. 2007 the government launched a scheme to increase youth employment by providing private sector-driven training.

In Nov. 2007 a by-election candidate claimed that he was offered a position in the economics department if he suspended his campaign in favour of the daughter of the late Sir John Compton.

King suffered defeat in the general election held on 28 Nov. 2011, with his UWP receiving only six out of 17 seats in Parliament. He was succeeded by the opposition leader and former prime minister Kenny Anthony.