标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

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.

Chevonne Stewart, the Southern Grenadines candidate for the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has received a significant endorsement from Tevin Andrews, the Grenadian MP representing Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Andrews, who has deep roots in the region, publicly supported Stewart during ULP campaign events on Mayreau and Union Island. Stewart, a chief radiologist recently transferred to the Ministry of Health, is making her first bid for the Southern Grenadines seat, which has been held by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) since its creation in 1989. Andrews praised Stewart’s dedication, approachability, and hard work, emphasizing her commitment to the region’s recovery from Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in July 2024. He highlighted her active role in restoration efforts and urged constituents to consider her leadership qualities in the upcoming election. Stewart is challenging NDP’s Terrance Ollivierre, who has represented the Southern Grenadines since 2001. Andrews also commended Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ leadership in navigating multiple disasters, reinforcing the ULP’s message of resilience and progress.

Jaundy Martin has been sworn in as Attorney General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) for a second term, replacing Grenville Williams, who is set to be nominated as a candidate in the upcoming general election on November 27. The ceremony, held at Government House in Monstrose, was officiated by Governor General Dame Susan Dougan. Martin returns to the role he previously held until November 4, 2022, after serving five years as the government’s chief legal advisor. His reappointment is seen as a temporary measure until a new Attorney General is appointed following the election, as Parliament was dissolved on October 28. Martin’s previous tenure was marked by the controversial vaccine mandate in November 2021, which led to the dismissal of hundreds of public sector workers who refused the COVID-19 vaccine. While the public sector union initially won a court case against the mandate, the decision was later overturned by the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal is expected to deliberate next week on whether to refer the case to the Privy Council in London, SVG’s highest court, for a final ruling. Meanwhile, Williams, who assumed the role on November 4, 2022, is stepping down to pursue his first bid for a parliamentary seat. He will represent the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) against Nigel “Nature” Stephenson of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), who is seeking a fourth consecutive term. The ULP aims for an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in office after securing nine seats in the 2020 elections, compared to the NDP’s six.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has proposed a $36.5 million buyback of lands under the Canouan lease agreement, signaling a shift in the government’s stance on the controversial 99-year lease. The lease, initially signed in 1990 by the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration, granted developers control over two-thirds of the 1,200-acre island, including the right to sell the land as freehold. Gonsalves, who criticized the lease before taking office in 2001, has since maintained a cordial relationship with the investors, even leasing additional lands. However, recent concerns over limited revenue and stalled development have prompted the government to reconsider its approach. In an October 24 letter to investor Andrea Pignataro, Gonsalves outlined the government’s offer to purchase the remaining leasehold land, emphasizing the need to resolve the matter equitably for the benefit of Canouan residents and the nation. The prime minister also highlighted the lack of progress since 2017, attributing delays to external factors like COVID-19, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes. Despite these challenges, Gonsalves expressed frustration over the developers’ inaction and reiterated his commitment to amicable discussions. The valuation, conducted by an international property consultancy, excludes freehold properties such as the Mandarin Oriental Resort. Pignataro’s legal representative, Lord Goldsmith, has contested aspects of the government’s claims, prompting a proposed Zoom meeting on November 7. Gonsalves remains open to constructive dialogue but insists on swift resolution.

Keisal Peters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for West Kingstown, has strongly refuted Opposition Leader Godwin Friday’s assertion that a New Democratic Party (NDP) administration would prioritize people over projects. Speaking at a ULP rally in Richmond Hill, Kingstown, Peters emphasized that every initiative undertaken by the ULP is fundamentally about the people. She cited numerous projects, including housing developments, the BERRY Project, fisheries expansion, the Rabacca Bridge, the Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre, the Acute Referral Hospital, and the Argyle International Airport, as evidence of the ULP’s commitment to the populace. Peters, a first-time candidate, is vying to unseat NDP Chairman Daniel Cummings, who has held the West Kingstown seat since 2010. In the 2020 elections, Cummings secured his third consecutive term, while the ULP achieved a historic fifth consecutive term, winning nine of the 15 seats despite losing the popular vote for the first time since 1998. Peters criticized the NDP’s lack of vision, particularly their opposition to the Argyle International Airport, which she described as a transformative project for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She also highlighted her achievements, including the completion of the Edinboro road and the rehabilitation of the Edinboro Hard Court, which she funded during her tenure as foreign minister. Peters underscored the ULP’s dedication to youth empowerment, contrasting it with the NDP’s alleged reluctance to embrace young talent. She urged voters to support the ULP in the upcoming general election, emphasizing the importance of youth participation and the dangers of silencing their voices.