In a definitive stance against political retaliation, North Leeward MP Kishore Shallow has declared the newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) administration will break from the practices of the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) government. The assurance came during a town hall meeting in Fitz Hughes, where Shallow, who also serves as Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, articulated his government’s commitment to an inclusive society.
The NDP’s electoral victory on November 27 ended 24 years of ULP governance, sparking calls from some supporters for the dismissal of public sector workers who had backed the previous administration. Minister Shallow explicitly rejected these demands, instead highlighting policy decisions that demonstrate the government’s alternative approach.
As evidence of this philosophy, Shallow referenced the Christmas road cleaning and seasonal jobber programs. Rather than purging workers affiliated with the previous government, the administration expanded employment opportunities by adding 2,000 workers to the road cleaning initiative at an additional cost of $2 million. This decision, advocated by Transport Minister Nigel Stephenson, prioritized maintaining existing workers while creating new positions.
Shallow acknowledged the impatience of long-time NDP supporters who endured marginalization during the ULP’s lengthy tenure but cautioned against repeating cycles of political victimization. “We are not going to victimize people because they vote for ULP,” he stated emphatically, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Dr. Friday and cabinet colleagues.
The minister framed inclusive governance as both an ethical imperative and economic necessity, warning that continued partisan discrimination would leave St. Vincent and the Grenadines “poorer for it.” Instead, the government is focusing on creating opportunities through four economic pillars: tourism, agriculture, the new economy, and the blue economy.
Shallow appealed for patience as the administration works to deliver on campaign promises of job creation and salary increases, emphasizing their goal of building “a St. Vincent and the Grenadines for all and not just a selected few.”