标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Members of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) on Thursday, just one week before the general election scheduled for November 27. Their presence is reportedly aimed at bolstering the election day operations of the incumbent Unity Labour Party (ULP). This development comes as recent, yet undisclosed, polling data suggests that the ULP is trailing behind the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). Among the arrivals were Kevin Henry, Kevon Henry, Alicia Deane, and Marcus Stephens, some of whom were seen wearing BLP-branded attire upon exiting the Argyle International Airport. Additional BLP representatives are expected to join them on Friday. The BLP members are part of a broader regional effort by Labour Party representatives to support the ULP’s bid for a sixth consecutive five-year term. Earlier, on October 22, the prime ministers of Dominica and St. Lucia, Roosevelt Skerrit and Phillip J. Pierre, visited SVG to endorse ULP leader Ralph Gonsalves for another term, despite their differing policy stances. Gonsalves has also pledged to campaign for Pierre’s St. Lucia Labour Party after the SVG elections. Furthermore, endorsements from regional figures like Grenadian MP Tevin Andrews and Dominica Labour Party member Ian Douglas have added momentum to the ULP’s campaign, with Douglas urging Vincentians to vote for the ULP despite their concerns, emphasizing a brighter future under the party’s leadership.

Camillo Gonsalves, the eldest son of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, has been a central figure in the nation’s political landscape since his appointment as the parliamentary representative for East St. George (ESG) in December 2015. Born in Philadelphia on June 12, 1972, Camillo’s rise to prominence has been marked by controversy, with critics questioning his qualifications and the motives behind his rapid ascent. Initially appointed as the minister of economic planning, sustainable development, industry, trade, information, and labor, Camillo’s portfolio expanded in 2017 to include finance, a move that left many in the civil service and Parliament astounded. Despite his re-election in November 2020 by a narrow margin of 196 votes, concerns persist about his lack of expertise in key areas such as economics, finance, and information technology, given his academic background in journalism, law, and global affairs. Critics argue that his appointments are part of a broader strategy by his father to position him as the heir apparent to the premiership, sidelining other potential successors like Sabato Caesar, who has been confined to the Ministry of Agriculture. Questions about Camillo’s genuine connection to ESG and his commitment to its constituents have further fueled skepticism. Critics accuse him of neglecting the constituency for most of his term, only showing interest in the months leading up to elections. Additionally, his support for a Jamaican-owned seafood company’s fish depot in Calliaqua has raised concerns about its impact on local fisherfolk. The article concludes with a call to action for voters to reject the Gonsalves dynasty in the upcoming elections, urging support for the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) to restore integrity and equity to the nation’s governance.

The current government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is facing mounting criticism as citizens demand a shift in leadership. Many Vincentians argue that the administration has failed to prioritize the needs of ordinary people, particularly those in vulnerable communities like North Leeward. Families are grappling with escalating challenges, including the rising cost of education, transportation, and basic necessities, while a select few continue to benefit disproportionately. The stark contrast between the struggles of the majority and the privileges of a minority has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. Dr. Shallow’s efforts to highlight these disparities have been praised as a vital step toward transparency. Critics argue that the current leadership is disconnected from the realities of everyday Vincentians, focusing instead on enriching a small inner circle. The growing sentiment is clear: SVG deserves leaders who genuinely care about its people, address systemic inequalities, and work to uplift communities. As economic hardships intensify, the call for change grows louder, urging citizens to demand better governance for the sake of future generations.

In a heated political debate, Dr. Godwin Friday, the New Democratic Party’s candidate for the Northern Grenadines, faces allegations of ineligibility to serve as a member of Parliament. Critics argue that his Canadian citizenship disqualifies him under Section 26(1) of the Constitution of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which prohibits individuals from holding office if they acknowledge allegiance to a foreign state. Dr. Friday voluntarily obtained Canadian citizenship and a passport, actions that opponents claim constitute an acknowledgment of allegiance to Canada. An objection to his nomination was filed by electors on November 10, 2025, challenging his qualification. The controversy raises questions about the validity of his candidacy, with opponents urging voters to reconsider their support, labeling a vote for Dr. Friday as ‘wasted.’ The outcome of this legal challenge could significantly impact the political landscape of the Northern Grenadines.

Residents of East Kingstown are being urged to reconsider their support for Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, the New Democratic Party’s candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections. A significant legal challenge has been raised against his candidacy, citing constitutional violations that could render his nomination invalid. According to Section 26 (1) of the Constitution of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, no individual who acknowledges allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign power or state is eligible for election as a member of Parliament. Mr. Bramble, a Canadian citizen, voluntarily obtained Canadian citizenship and has been using a Canadian passport, which places him in direct violation of this constitutional provision. On Nomination Day, November 10, 2025, electors from East Kingstown formally objected to his nomination, arguing that his candidacy is legally untenable. The objection underscores that a valid nomination is a prerequisite for a legitimate election, and any vote cast for Mr. Bramble would be rendered ineffective. Constituents are assured that this challenge will be pursued rigorously, ensuring that only qualified candidates remain in the race. The message is clear: a vote for Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble is a wasted vote.

The candidacy of two representatives from the New Democratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been challenged by the Unity Labour Party (ULP). The ULP alleges that the candidates, Dr. Godwin Friday and Mr. Fitzgerald Bramble, hold Canadian citizenship, which they argue disqualifies them from contesting the upcoming general elections on November 27. The challenge centers on Section 26 of the SVG Constitution, which prohibits individuals under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign state from holding parliamentary office. Despite the challenge, both candidates were successfully nominated. The ULP may pursue legal action, which, if successful, could disqualify the candidates and force them to vacate their seats if elected. The case hinges on whether Canada, as a Commonwealth member, is considered a foreign state under SVG law. Legal precedents in the Caribbean suggest that dual citizenship can disqualify candidates, as it may create divided loyalties. The outcome of this challenge could significantly impact the election results, particularly in the Northern Grenadines and East Kingstown constituencies. The NDP risks losing votes in these areas if the candidates are disqualified, potentially altering the political landscape of SVG.

Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves has unveiled the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) 2025 election manifesto, emphasizing its focus on substantive policies over superficial gimmicks. Speaking at a rally in Colonarie, Gonsalves outlined the ULP’s plans to reduce income tax to 22% and raise the tax-free threshold to EC$30,000, measures he described as impactful for working-class citizens in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He contrasted these policies with the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) proposal to cut VAT from 16% to 13%, arguing that the ULP’s approach would yield greater financial benefits for individuals, such as an extra EC$1,500 annually for constables and over EC$2,000 for teachers and nurses. Gonsalves also highlighted the ULP’s commitment to job creation, citing the addition of 6,500 jobs over the past five years despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the La Soufriere volcanic eruption, and Hurricane Beryl. He pledged to create 6,000 more jobs if re-elected, aiming to reduce unemployment below 5% for the first time in the nation’s history. Additionally, the ULP plans to open a Beaches resort, attract EC$2.5 billion in foreign investment, and boost GDP from EC$3 billion to EC$4 billion within five years. Gonsalves concluded by asserting the ULP’s vision to transform St. Vincent and the Grenadines into a first-world nation within 15 years, grounded in principled policies and a commitment to the people.