标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has dismissed a book titled “New Democratic Party’s Plans for St. Vincent and the Grenadines” as a spoof. The book, which appeared in a campaign video released by his party on Sunday, was filmed at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence during a meeting with party members and Jamaican artist Christopher Martin. Gonsalves revealed that the book, which he received that same morning, contains six chapters of mostly blank pages, mocking the opposition party’s ideas. He described the document as a work of nonfiction by a fictitious author, Godwin Fryay, and criticized the New Democratic Party (NDP) for its lack of substantive content. The Prime Minister’s comments came after he was nominated for the 11th time as a candidate for North Central Windward in the upcoming national election. Gonsalves, 79, is leading the Unity Labour Party in its bid for a sixth consecutive five-year term in the general election on November 17.

In a heated political climate in St. Vincent, Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward and a hospital administrator, has defended her EC$144,000 one-year consultancy contract for the Arnos Vale hospital project. Walters, speaking at a ULP rally in Biabou, suggested that the scrutiny of her contract stems from her identity as a woman and a member of the Carib community.

As the November 27 general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines approaches, St. Clair Leacock, the opposition spokesperson on National Security for the New Democratic Party (NDP), has issued a firm declaration. Leacock emphasized that the NDP will not tolerate any political unrest akin to the turmoil that prematurely ended their government in 2001. Speaking at an NDP rally in North Union on Saturday, Leacock addressed Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ call for “Labour warriors” to take to the streets on election night, dismissing such actions as unnecessary and counterproductive. Leacock assured supporters that once the NDP secures victory, the country will experience stable governance focused on the welfare of its citizens. He highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing crime and violence, warning against seditious activities. Leacock also underscored the significance of this election, describing it as pivotal for the nation’s constitutional integrity and democratic future. He pledged that the NDP would deliver equal opportunities, peace, and prosperity for all Vincentians, aiming to transform the country into a beacon of unity and progress. The Unity Labour Party, currently in power, seeks an unprecedented sixth term, while the NDP aims to reclaim governance after 25 years in opposition.

During the ongoing election campaign, the United Labour Party (ULP) and its supporters have repeatedly claimed that the New Democratic Party (NDP) lacks concrete plans and that its leadership is inactive. However, a recent video posted on the Facebook page of Ralph Gonsalves, the ULP leader, has raised eyebrows and contradicted these assertions. The video shows someone placing a booklet titled ‘The New Democratic Party’s Plan for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ on a table where Gonsalves and other ULP members were seated. The booklet, which appeared well-used and resembled a student’s textbook, was placed alongside other documents, suggesting it was being actively referenced. This discovery has sparked questions about the ULP’s motives. If the NDP truly has no plans, why would the ULP possess and study such a booklet? The presence of the document implies that the NDP’s strategies are being scrutinized, if not replicated, by the ULP. Critics have long accused the ULP of copying the NDP’s plans, and this incident seems to lend credence to those allegations. The situation also challenges the narrative of the NDP’s leadership being lazy, as the creation of a detailed plan would require significant effort and dedication. The incident has added a layer of intrigue to the election campaign, with observers questioning the ULP’s reliance on the NDP’s strategies and what this might reveal about their own preparedness.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has revealed that he personally contributed EC$15,500 to assist Vincentian students in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The announcement was made during the Unity Labour Party’s “North Star” Rally in Chateaubelair on Saturday, where he also criticized Opposition Leader Godwin Friday for his perceived lack of generosity. Gonsalves emphasized that he typically avoids publicizing his charitable acts but felt compelled to highlight this effort for the sake of the students. He explained that Jamaica is currently in turmoil due to the hurricane’s impact, which occurred in late October. The prime minister stated that he had reached out to the Vincentian Student Association (VINSA) to identify students in urgent need of assistance. Upon receiving a request for immediate aid for 31 students, Gonsalves bypassed bureaucratic delays by instructing his banker to transfer the funds directly to VINSA’s account. He contrasted his actions with those of the opposition leader, accusing Friday of failing to fulfill a promised EC$100,000 donation for students affected by Hurricane Beryl earlier this year. Gonsalves further derided Friday as “cheap like a church mouse,” alleging that the opposition leader lacks generosity and decisiveness.

A campaign event for the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in Rillan Hill turned violent on Sunday when unidentified individuals hurled stones at vehicles, damaging the windshield of a police pick-up truck. The incident occurred as NDP supporters were en route to a party event in Penniston. According to reliable sources, two men from the village have been detained by police in connection with the attack. NDP Public Relations Officer Lavern King condemned the act in a social media video, emphasizing that the event, organized by Nigel “Nature” Stephenson, a candidate seeking a fourth term as MP for South Leeward, was intended to be peaceful. King expressed concern over the potential for serious harm, stating, “Lives could have been taken.” She also criticized the escalating political tensions, urging for a campaign free from violence. This incident follows a similar episode during the 2020 general election campaign in the same area, where gunshots were reported. The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) had recently reiterated calls for calm and responsible behavior during the election season, warning that acts of violence or property damage could constitute criminal offenses. The RSVGPF emphasized its commitment to impartiality and maintaining order, urging citizens to uphold democratic values and respect opposing views.

St. Lucia is set to hold a general election on December 1, 2025, nearly a year ahead of the constitutionally mandated date in November 2026. Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre announced the decision during a national broadcast on Sunday, revealing that he had advised Governor General Errol Charles to dissolve Parliament on November 10. Nomination Day is scheduled for November 21. Pierre emphasized that the decision was driven by confidence in his administration’s achievements and the need to continue governing effectively. The last election was held on July 26, 2021, with Parliament convening in August of that year. Under the St. Lucia Constitution, the election is constitutionally due within three months of the first parliamentary sitting, which occurred on August 12, 2021. Pierre highlighted significant economic improvements under his leadership, including a reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio from 81.5% in 2021 to 73.5% in 2024, and a 700% decrease in outstanding payables to local suppliers. He also noted the successful conclusion of negotiations with public servants and the provision of a Christmas bonus. The main opposition, the United Workers Party (UWP), led by Allen Chastanet, welcomed the announcement, expressing readiness to contest the election. Chastanet aims to reverse the UWP’s 13-4 defeat in the 2021 election, where two former UWP members won as independents and later supported the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP). Both parties held rallies on Sunday, with the SLP in Castries and the UWP in Anse La Raye, signaling the start of an intense campaign period.

The recent NDP rally was a vivid display of both hope and discord, as the party successfully galvanized the youth—a long-elusive demographic—while exposing a stark generational divide among its leadership. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, a testament to the growing momentum for change. However, the celebration was abruptly dampened when senior party members, often referred to as the ‘old grumpy men,’ took the stage and attempted to stifle the vibrant energy. Their admonishment of young supporters for expressing their joy with party-provided horns was seen as both embarrassing and insulting. The situation worsened when the Central Kingstown candidate threatened to leave the stage if the crowd did not quiet down, ultimately turning his back and walking off. This act cast a shadow over the event, leaving many questioning his commitment to the movement. Rallies are meant to unify and inspire, not to enforce rigid decorum. True leadership was demonstrated by Dr. Friday, who embraced the supporters’ enthusiasm and encouraged their participation, proving his growth and connection with the people. In contrast, the actions of Mr. Leacock, Mr. Cummings, and Bramble raised concerns about their ability to lead in a new era of politics. The incident has left many wondering if this was a deliberate attempt to undermine the leader’s rapport with the youth. As the 2025 elections approach, the question remains: how will these leaders treat their supporters if they gain power? The youth are watching, and their response will be decisive.

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has sparked significant controversy by awarding a one-year contract worth EC$144,000 to Grace Walters, a Hospital Administrator and Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward, to advise on healthcare system reforms. The contract, part of the Strengthening Health System Resilience Project (SHSRP), runs from January 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026, and was disclosed by Opposition spokesperson on health, Daniel Cummings, at a New Democratic Party (NDP) rally in North Union. Cummings criticized the appointment, questioning Walters’ qualifications and performance as a hospital administrator, and suggesting that the funds could have been better utilized to hire three top-class nurses. He also highlighted ongoing issues in the healthcare system, such as the lack of nurses in certain clinics and the poor conditions at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Walters, who holds a doctorate in healthcare administration and management, is tasked with supporting the implementation of healthcare quality and patient safety standards, planning the transition to the Arnos Vale Acute Care Referral Hospital, and advising on procurement and information systems. Despite her credentials, Cummings argued that the appointment reflects nepotism and a lack of seriousness in addressing the country’s healthcare needs. He pledged that an NDP government would prioritize healthcare, ensuring properly staffed facilities with adequate medication and equipment. The controversy underscores the political tensions surrounding healthcare reform in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the ULP defending its decision and the NDP vowing to address systemic issues if elected.

As St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) enters another election season, the familiar sights and sounds of campaigning are in full swing. Campaign vehicles traverse villages, loudspeakers echo across hillsides, and social media buzzes with partisan fervor. Yet, beneath this vibrant spectacle lies a critical question every voter must confront: who truly deserves their vote? This election is not merely a ritual of democracy but a pivotal moment that will shape the nation’s future.