A significant political controversy has emerged in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following allegations by Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves against Shelly-Ann Alexander-Ross, president of the SVG Nurses’ Association. Gonsalves has publicly accused Alexander-Ross of functioning as a “partisan political explainer” for the incumbent New Democratic Party (NDP) government regarding the discontinuation of a 5% tax-free supplement for nursing staff.
The dispute centers around a temporary financial benefit initially introduced by the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration in 2024. During his appearance on Star Radio, Gonsalves revealed that his attention was drawn to the matter when nurses showed him payslips indicating the missing supplement. He expressed particular concern about Alexander-Ross’s dual role as both nurses’ association president and senior member of the Public Service Union.
The Nurses’ Association had previously issued a March 11 press release clarifying that the 5% supplement was always intended as a temporary measure. The statement emphasized that the benefit was initially communicated as a time-bound provision designed to offer short-term fiscal relief while discussions about nursing post reclassification continued. The association acknowledged the supplement’s extension through 2025 but maintained its understanding of the temporary nature of the arrangement.
Gonsalves countered these explanations, stating that during the election campaign, his party had clearly committed to continuing the supplement and incorporating it into future salary increases. The ULP, after 25 years in governance, was voted out of office in the 2025 elections, leading to the current political dynamic.
The opposition leader expressed bewilderment at Alexander-Ross’s position, questioning her approach as a trade union representative. He emphasized that his government had clearly articulated the supplement’s continuation, making the current administration’s decision to discontinue it particularly concerning from his perspective.