SVG needs its young visionaries now more than ever

By Cornelius Anthony

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is facing a pivotal moment — one where the old ways of politics are running up against the urgent need for new ideas, new leadership, and a new generation of thinkers. We are a young country, filled with promise. But promise alone cannot shape a nation. It takes people — visionary, independent, and courageous people — willing to serve not for personal gain, but for national growth.

Too often, however, our brightest young minds are discouraged from stepping into public life. And when they do, they are met not with support, but with suspicion. Not with collaboration, but condemnation. Their intelligence is challenged, their motives questioned, and their independence punished.

This experience has not been abstract — it has been lived, publicly and painfully, by many. One such figure is Dr. Kishore Shallow, a young Vincentian of considerable accomplishment who has charted his own course. Rather than seek shelter under the political umbrella of the dominant party, he has chosen to stand independently, drawing on merit, not machinery. For that choice, he has been subjected to attacks not just on his politics, but on his very personhood.

Yet, his story is not one of defeat, but of defiance — and it should be a source of inspiration to every young person in SVG.

The machinery vs. the mind

We must confront a hard truth: the political machinery in SVG is not designed to encourage independent thought. It is built to reward obedience, punish dissent, and elevate loyalty over leadership. For many young people, the path to political relevance is paved with compromise — on their values, their voice, and their vision.

This is why many promising young professionals — those with real potential to contribute meaningfully to public life — choose to stay away. They see the toll it takes. They understand that entering politics without political protection is akin to walking into a storm without shelter. And so they watch in silence as others trade independence for influence.

Some will argue that the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) has youth representation. But what good is representation if it is hollow? What does it mean if youth involvement is reduced to recycled rhetoric, managed messaging, and ceremonial roles? The public is not fooled by slogans. We want substance. We want authenticity. We want leadership.

The youth deserve better — and can do better

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not short on talent. Across the diaspora and here at home, we boast young Vincentians who are scientists, economists, artists, educators, and entrepreneurs. What we lack is a political ecosystem that protects their right to think, speak, and lead freely.

The truth is, many young people have attached themselves to political parties out of necessity — not conviction. They do so for access to jobs, scholarships, and travel. That is not empowerment. That is economic dependency disguised as political participation.

We need to reject this culture and replace it with something better: a new political ethic, grounded in merit, transparency, and public service.

It is time to reclaim politics

To the youth of SVG: your silence will not save you. If you do not participate in shaping your future, others will shape it for you. And if you wait until you are invited to the table, you may find the table has long been cleared.

You must demand more — from your leaders, your parties, and yourselves. Get involved—but do so on your own terms. Refuse to be used. Refuse to be silenced. Refuse to believe that your only value lies in how well you parrot a party line.

Final word

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is in need of renewal, not repetition. We need leaders who are not afraid to rock the boat — especially when that boat is already sinking. The time has come for a new generation to rise — not in the shadow of those who came before, but in the light of their own ideas, values, and vision.

Let us support our independent thinkers. Let us uplift those who speak truth, even at a cost. Let us build a nation where leadership is earned, not inherited; where voices are free, not filtered; and where youth are empowered, not exploited.

Let us begin now.

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