Gonsalves says ULP will make swift political comeback

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – The head of the main opposition Unity Labour Party (ULP), Ralph Gonsalves, says an emerging “governance crisis” is creating the conditions under which his party can return to office in the fastest possible time.

Speaking on local radio, the former prime minister pointed to a “Labour resurgence” and widespread discontent with the current New Democratic Party (NDP) administration as evidence that a significant change in the country’s politics is imminent.

Gonsalves told listeners that the nation is currently in a “state of crisis,” which is manifested across all aspects of society—economically, in national security, and in overall government administration.

He said the present administration was “on autopilot”, contending that those leading it were “unaware of the full nature of the condition” into which they had allowed their nation to deteriorate over a relatively short period of time.

The current administration, according to Gonsalves, also “has no knowledge of how to proceed” regarding several complex issues affecting the nation.

The ULP leader discussed what he characterised as a highly productive “national council meeting,” during which there was an extremely large attendance from public employees, teachers, and police personnel.

Gonsalves claimed that this represented “the might and influence of the labour family”, and indicated that it has left the present administration “dazed and frightened”.

Gonsalves also reported that many of the NDP’s strongest supporters now predict that this government will be limited to one term and may actually leave office before its term officially ends.

“Grown men and women need to stand up when they’ve made mistakes and say ‘I made a mistake,’” Gonsalves said about the current administration.

“The only option available is the Unity Labour Party,” he continued, adding that increasing numbers of citizens are coming to visit the party headquarters and writing to him for guidance.

Gonsalves stressed that “the roots of Labour are very strong” and that the party is prepared to offer the type of leadership he believes is presently absent.

Speaking directly to the concerns of ordinary citizens, Gonsalves assured them that “Labour has your back”, and urged supporters to act in a spirit of solidarity.

He said that the current “fear-mongering” and “intimidation” of civil servants by the administration would ultimately fail to slow down the momentum building behind his party, because “people are getting less afraid” to associate themselves publicly with it.

Although Gonsalves remains actively involved in both international affairs and activities related to regional organisations, he indicated that his primary concern right now is the “resurgence” of the ULP locally.

He acknowledged that he does not know who will be the prime minister by this time next year; however, he felt that, given the current level of disorganisation within the administration, a swift ULP return is becoming increasingly likely.

The ULP was voted out of office 14-1 in the November 2025 election after 25 years in office. It was one of the most significant defeats of a political party since 1989, when the NDP won all 15 seats.