In a significant post-election political maneuver, opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves has appointed two former cabinet ministers who suffered electoral defeats to senatorial positions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ incoming Parliament. The appointments come as Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP) faces a dramatic reversal of fortunes following their landslide defeat in the November 27 general elections.
The newly appointed senators—Carlos James and Keisal Peters—both experienced notable electoral setbacks. James, who previously served as Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, lost his North Leeward constituency by 560 votes to NDP newcomer Kishore Shallow. This defeat marked a historic rejection, making James the first North Leeward MP since independence in 1979 to be ousted after a single term.
Peters, who made history as the nation’s first female foreign affairs minister, failed to unseat NDP Chairman Daniel Cummings in West Kingstown. Despite her ministerial experience, Cummings expanded his victory margin to 1,241 votes, securing his fourth consecutive term.
Gonsalves introduced an element of uncertainty regarding parliamentary proceedings, suggesting neither senator might attend Tuesday’s ceremonial opening of Parliament. He cited unspecified “security matters” requiring resolution and indicated his own attendance remained uncertain. The former prime minister, who held office from 2001 until last month’s electoral defeat, made these announcements through a social media video where he emphasized seasonal greetings while promising future commentary on national issues.
The appointments occur against the backdrop of a dramatic political shift that ended the ULP’s 23-year governance. The New Democratic Party achieved an overwhelming 14-1 parliamentary majority, with only one ULP candidate retaining their seat. James’s electoral campaign was further marred by social media videos showing confrontations with constituents and law enforcement officials at polling stations, including an incident where he engaged in a physical altercation with a police officer.
Despite these controversies, James conceded defeat graciously on November 28, acknowledging the electorate’s decision while expressing continued commitment to national service. The political landscape in St. Vincent and the Grenadines now enters a new chapter with these senatorial appointments signaling the opposition’s strategy for the upcoming parliamentary term.