After listening to Abdon Whyte’s interview on BOOM SVG 106.9 on Tuesday, as a son of the soil, I felt Abdon’s pain. Philosophically, I disagree with Abdon. Still, I cannot question his love for Union Island. Some can consider the treatment that Abdon received as self-inflicted, and, like Jomo in his piece on the programme, “Abdon is naive”.
However, this can only be described as a stunning act of political arrogance and blatant disregard for the will of the people, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) has insulted the proud, resilient citizens of the Southern Grenadines by casting aside a homegrown servant of the people, Abdon Whyte, in favour of Chevonne Stewart — a candidate with no meaningful ties to the community, and even less credibility to represent it.
This is not just a misstep. It is a calculated betrayal. For years, Abdon Whyte has proven his unwavering commitment to his community through service, leadership, and a genuine connection to the people of the Southern Grenadines.
From his work as a respected educator to his tireless efforts organising the cultural and social cornerstone that is Easterval to his selfless acts in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, he was our ears. Whether you agree with Abdon or not, like him or not, he has earned the respect of his people through action and, yes, some ambition.
Yet, the ULP — either blinded by political expediency or fuelled by internal elitism — has dismissed Whyte in favour of Chevonne Stewart, a parachuted candidate who many residents barely know, and who has shown little to no investment in the everyday struggles of the Southern Grenadines.
Her selection reeks not of empowerment, but of political manipulation. It sends a clear and chilling message: the voice of the people in the Southern Grenadines does not matter in a ULP administration.
This is not leadership. This is colonisation dressed in red. It is the act of a party that has lost touch with its foundational principles and now chooses candidates not based on merit, dedication, or public trust, but on backroom deals, convenience, and control.
To impose Stewart on the people without consultation or care is to spit in the face of democracy and insult the intelligence of every voter in the Southern Grenadines. It is a shameful display of political hubris and a reminder that loyalty and service to the people may matter less than compliance and political safety for the ULP.
If this is the future the ULP envisions for the Southern Grenadines, then the people have every right — no, every duty — to reject it. The constituency deserves more than a name on a ballot; it deserves a leader who understands its soul.
Mr. PM, the people of the Southern Grenadines are not pawns. They are not stepping stones. And we will not be silent. We stand with Abdon. “We not supporting she.”
Papaland Boy
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I don’t know who you are, Papaland Boy, but I’d love to chat with you about this. IMHO, your thoughts are on point. Thank you for having the courage to call a thing a thing.
Well said my brother!
What is so alarming about Chevonne’s candidacy is the disdain, disrespect and utter contempt that Ralph Gonsalves has shown to the people of the Sothern Grenadines. In his deluded and arrogant mind, there is no need for him to consult the ULP supporters on the matter of selecting a ULP candidate; he simply see us as voting cattle, devoid of any intellectual ability to determine for ourselves the choice of candidate. But the people of the Southern Grenadines know exactly what we must do come this election. VOTE THEIR TAIL OUT!!!