标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In a heated exchange during the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) campaign event in Belmont, East Kingstown MP Fitz Bramble issued a stern warning to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, urging him to cease bringing his mother into the political discourse. Bramble’s remarks came in response to Gonsalves’ comments at a Unity Labour Party (ULP) rally in Calliaqua, where the Prime Minister criticized Bramble, 64, for allegedly never building a home and residing with his mother.

In a strategic move during the election campaign, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves announced a youth-oriented initiative, Youth GATES (Guarantee of Apprenticeship Training, Employment, or Scholarship), at a United Labour Party (ULP) rally in Calliaqua. The programme, aimed at providing opportunities for young graduates in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, mirrors a pledge made by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in 2023. Gonsalves, seeking a third term as MP for East St. George, emphasized the ULP’s longstanding commitment to youth development since 2001, contrasting it with what he described as the NDP’s unfulfilled promises. He criticized the NDP for failing to address critical issues like housing and education in their campaign rhetoric, accusing them of neglecting the nation’s progress. The minister also warned that an NDP victory could jeopardize ongoing projects, such as the Arnos Vale hospital construction, and sever ties with Taiwan, which supports Vincentian students. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has previously expressed confidence in the ULP’s ability to elevate St. Vincent and the Grenadines to first-world status within 15 years. With general elections anticipated by November, the political landscape remains highly charged as both parties vie for public trust.

Darron Rodan John, a 35-year-old first-time political candidate and the youngest contender in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ upcoming general election, has lauded the Unity Labour Party (ULP) for its transformative education policies and strong diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Speaking at a ULP rally in Calliaqua, John credited the party’s initiatives for his academic and professional achievements, emphasizing the role of education in shaping his journey.

Keisal Peters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for West Kingstown, has vowed to bring significant change to the constituency, currently represented by the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) Daniel Cummings since 2010. Peters, a trailblazing lawyer and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ first female Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that young voters in the area are disenchanted with Cummings, who secured his third term in 2020 with a narrow margin of 714 votes. Speaking at a ULP campaign rally in Calliaqua, Peters accused the NDP of planning to privatize healthcare, sell national assets, and compromise the country’s future. She criticized the NDP’s alleged intentions to sell the EC$700 million Kingstown port, the Arnos Vale hospital under construction, and even the nation’s passports. Peters declared, ‘We cannot allow the NDP to lead us down a path of unrighteousness for their political agenda.’ She highlighted the ULP’s commitment to progress, including scholarships, housing, and the development of a Beaches Resort in Mt Wynne, a $500 million project in collaboration with Sandals Resorts International. Peters also outlined her vision for West Kingstown, promising innovative ideas, modern business complexes, and support for local initiatives like the seafood festival at Lowmans Bay. She criticized Cummings for relying on the legacy of the late John Horne, a former NDP representative, and accused him of offering nothing to the youth. Peters underscored the ULP’s role as the ‘last line of defence’ for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, contrasting it with the NDP’s alleged mismanagement and private debts. She urged voters to choose progress over empty promises, asserting that the ULP is ‘red and ready’ to lead the nation forward.

Retired educator and incumbent MP Curtis King has outlined his accomplishments and future initiatives as he campaigns for re-election in West St. George. Speaking at a Unity Labour Party (ULP) rally in Calliaqua, King emphasized his commitment to community development and education. Among his key achievements, he highlighted the allocation of land to residents of Upper Queens Drive at a nominal rate of 50 cents per square foot, addressing a decades-long issue. He also transformed the Gomea mineral spring into a community-integrated project, fostering small business opportunities. King’s focus on education was evident in the establishment of a food preparation laboratory at West St. George Secondary School, aimed at equipping youth with skills for the expanding tourism sector. Additionally, he underscored ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction of a hospital in Arnos Vale and upgrades to the Belair Health Clinic. King also celebrated the recent lighting of the Arnos Vale Playing Field, a long-awaited development for sports enthusiasts. Looking ahead, he pledged to continue advancing projects like the Daphine and Dorsetshire Playing Fields. King concluded by urging voters to register and support the ULP, emphasizing the party’s vision to elevate St. Vincent and the Grenadines to first-world standards.

Conroy Huggins, the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Central Leeward, has launched a scathing critique of the government’s failure to deliver on long-promised hotel projects in Mt Wynne and Peter’s Hope. Speaking at a campaign event in Layou on Saturday, Huggins highlighted the lack of progress on the Black Sands Resort, which was initiated eight years ago, and the state-owned Marriott Hotel at Peter’s Hope, which remains untouched six years after its groundbreaking ceremony.