In a stirring address to his Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) youth convention in Diamond, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines invoked biblical imagery, likening himself to the prophet Jeremiah and asserting a divine mandate for his leadership. The 79-year-old leader, who has held office since March 2001, confidently declared that the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) would not prevail in the upcoming November 27 general election, attributing this outcome to divine intervention. ‘NDP can’t win this election,’ Gonsalves proclaimed, emphasizing that God acts through human agency and that his administration represents ‘goodness, nobility, and righteousness.’ Pundits suggest that the NDP poses the most significant challenge to the ULP’s dominance since its ousting in 2001, with the election’s outcome potentially reshaping the nation’s political landscape. Gonsalves urged young supporters to reflect on his 36-minute speech, reminding them of their blessings and the ULP’s commitment to securing their future. He outlined his vision of transforming St. Vincent and the Grenadines into a ‘first world nation’ within 15 years, drawing parallels with global cities like London, Paris, New York, and Toronto. Highlighting his humble beginnings, Gonsalves shared personal anecdotes of his childhood struggles, underscoring the transformative opportunities his government has provided, including universal secondary education and the goal of one university graduate per household by 2030. ‘It’s not where you’re born, but where you’re going,’ he told the youth, reinforcing his message of progress and empowerment.
God will not allow NDP to win this election’ – Gonsalves
