The political landscape of the Southern Grenadines has long been shaped by leaders who truly understand the constituency’s needs — leaders who live among the people, share their struggles and work tirelessly to improve their communities.
With Chevonne Stewart entering the race under the Unity Labour Party (ULP), we must ask ourselves a crucial question: Is she the right person to represent the Southern Grenadines? The answer is a resounding no.
Residency matters — familiarity with local issues is key
Stewart’s candidacy has been met with widespread scepticism and for good reason. While her supporters dismiss concerns about her residency, where a representative lives directly impacts their ability to serve effectively. The people of the Southern Grenadines deserve a leader who experiences their daily struggles first-hand — not someone who swoops in from the mainland with promises that may never materialise.
Living in a constituency is not merely a formality but essential for understanding its unique challenges. Issues like Hurricane Beryl, infrastructure, healthcare access, education, and economic development in the Southern Grenadines require profound experience. The ULP has long neglected us, and parachuting in a candidate unfamiliar with our concerns is an insult to us, and Stewart is just that — an Insult.
A weak political foundation
Despite community service claims, Stewart has no political experience or history of governance. Being an effective political representative requires more than charity work or organising social events. It demands an intimate knowledge of policy, a track record of legislative engagement, and an ability to navigate complex political landscapes — none of which Stewart has demonstrated.
Furthermore, her supporters compare her to figures like St. Clair Leacock and Daniel Cummings, but this comparison falls flat. These leaders have spent years engaging with people in the community, proving their commitment to the people long before seeking office. On the other hand, Stewart emerges as a political outsider with no clear plan for the Southern Grenadines beyond vague notions of “service”.
The ULP’s desperate attempt to gain ground
The ULP’s decision to run Stewart in the Southern Grenadines is nothing more than a political experiment designed to disrupt the longstanding support for the New Democratic Party (NDP). For decades, the people of the Southern Grenadines have rejected the ULP because of its neglect and failure to address the islands’ pressing needs. This last-minute attempt to install an unfamiliar candidate reeks of political opportunism rather than a genuine commitment to the development of the Southern Grenadines
If the ULP truly cared about the Southern Grenadines, it would have invested in the constituency long before election season. Instead, they hope a fresh face and a recognisable “Stewart” name will distract voters from years of disregard and broken promises. The people of the Southern Grenadines deserve better.
Leadership requires more than rhetoric
Stewart’s supporters claim she represents “a different kind of politician” who prioritises action over rhetoric. However, what action did she take for the Southern Grenadines before deciding to run for office? Leadership is not built overnight; real change requires consistent advocacy, policy-driven solutions, and long-term engagement — not just good intentions.
Stewart’s professional background may be commendable, but it does not automatically qualify her to govern. The challenges facing the Southern Grenadines require a leader who understands the complexities of governance, economic development, and legislative processes — not someone whose political credentials are built on goodwill alone.
The Southern Grenadines deserve proven leadership
The upcoming 2025 general election is not just another political contest; it is a decision that will shape the future of the Southern Grenadines. The people deserve a representative with deep roots in the constituency, a clear vision, and the political acumen to deliver accurate results — not a candidate handpicked by a party that has consistently ignored the region’s needs. That person is Terrance Ollivierre.
The NDP has a proven track record of advocating for the people of the Southern Grenadines, fighting for their interests in the face of the ULP’s neglect. Electing Stewart on the ULP ticket will be just as catastrophic as Beryl. Snaggy, the former ULP ticket member, and a much-beloved son, could not make any meaningful impact; putting Stewart will not just be a setback for the constituency, but we might as well bury the Southern Grenadines.
As the election approaches, the people of the Southern Grenadines must reject this political experiment and reaffirm their commitment to leaders who have consistently stood by them, fought for them, and delivered for them. The Southern Grenadines deserve better than Chevonne Stewart.
Papaland Boy
EAHL
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Contrary to the writer’s opinion that Chevonne Stewart isn’t right for S. Grenadines, I think she is, as she epitomizes the thought of the leadership of the ULP, in that we really do not care about the Grenadines people, the Grenadines which is SVG’s biggest tourism earner, nor do we care about people, their well-begin or any thing else.
This government has been in “POWER” for 24 years, not leadership, as Ralph does not believe he is the first servant of the people, by his actions of how many vehicles and outriders/security detail. I wait patiently for this year’s announcement of the 6 men who came in 6 times, to do him harm of June 06.
Well said, plain and simple.
therefore Abdon Whyte is the obvious choice. His long standing community service and the fact that he is born, bred and lives among the people should make him the obvious choice. While not stating it publicly and at times denying it, Abdon wanted to be considered a ULP candidate for the southern Grenadines. He has demonstrated yeoman service to the people of the southern Grenadines especially Union Island during the after of hurricane Beryl.
The question is however why the hierarchy of the ULP didn’t consider Abdon Whyte for the candidacy? Here to many is the opportunity to catapult the most qualified person, between him and Ms. Stewart to be the candidate. But alas the ULP went with Ms. Stewart. The ULP and the people of the Southern Grenadines realized that although Abdon has some qualities and indeed serve his community well, wearing many caps, they are aware of the too large excess baggage.
To the party he is a liability that the party can do with out at this time, Abdon Whyte’s name has been calling in too many things; most of which does not cut it right with the party. Maybe not this time but I am guessing if given time to clean up his act he will be an excellent choice for the future.
That is not facts it’s just the opinion of an NDP supporter