CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC):

The main opposition St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) yesterday stepped up its call for the sacking of Economic and Planning Minister Ausbert D'Auvergne from the government, less than 24 hours after it was announced that the minister was seeking membership of the ruling United Workers Party.

SLP leader Dr. Kenny Anthony showed reporters copies of judgments he has said had been entered against the minister over a five-year period in favour of creditors.

"We have in the Cabinet, the highest decision making body in the country, an individual who has defaulted on over 17 loans or thereabout, and yet he retains a presence in the Cabinet as a leading functionary.