ULP chooses PM Gonsalves again to lead

Political Leader of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), Dr Ralph Gonsalves, was re-elected unopposed at the party’s 26th Annual Conference of Delegates on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Campden Park Secondary School (Bethel High School).

Prime Minister and Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) Dr Ralph Gonsalves (right), in discussion with Deputy Leader Montgomery Daniel, at the Party’s 26th Annual Conference on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Campden Park Secondary School (Bethel High School).

Also re-elected unopposed was Montgomery Daniel as Deputy Leader; Edwin Snagg as party Chairman; and Curtis King as Deputy Chairman. These were the only positions up for re-election at Sunday’s convention which drew a large, enthusiastic crowd of party supporters from the 15 constituencies.

At the convention, the party leader announced that there will be new candidates for at least three constituencies in the upcoming general elections due next year, noting that the new candidates will be announced shortly.

Addressing a packed auditorium of party delegates with scores more crowded into the school’s courtyard, Gonsalves said that Montgomery Daniel, the current parliamentary representative for North Windward, and Frederick Stevenson, the current parliamentary representative for South Windward, will not be contesting the next general elections. Additionally he confirmed that Edwin Snagg will not be the candidate for the Southern Grenadines.

Gonsalves told party delegates and supporters that multiple individuals have expressed interest in the South Windward seat, but the ULP will adhere to its standard selection procedure, and that there will be unity when the final choice of candidate is made.

The party leader, who also is Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, expressed thanks for the “impressive representation” of Daniel, who is the longest serving parliamentary representative for North Windward, noting that “Grace will guide us home.”

This was in reference to Grace Walters, the current chief executive officer at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, who is expected to be the ULP’s North Windward candidate.

Full of steam, Gonsalves fired off a warning that the Unity Labour Party plans to pursue the Kingstown seats that are all currently held by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP).