New faces in the political mix for the Southern Grenadines

The Southern Grenadines, destroyed by category one hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024, can expect to see several new faces enter the political mix this year.

With the next general elections constitutionally due by November 2025, with a three-month grace period, the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), will be trying to gain a majority of the votes in the Southern Grenadines, while the New Democratic Party (NDP), will be attempting to once again retain the parliamentary seat which is currently held by Terrance Ollivierre.

However, SEARCHLIGHT has been reliably informed that the Southern Grenadines, dominated by the NDP, can possibly see the entrance of an independent candidate in the person of Nkosi Stewart, said to be supported by a faction of the NDP who apparently wants to sever ties with the party.

Nkosi is the cousin of former NDP politician, Glenford Stewart. Stewart, a structural engineer, is a former parliamentary representative for the Southern Grenadines (1998 to 2001), and former Minister of Communications and Works in the James Mitchell-led administration.

The ULP’s Edwin Snagg, has stated publicly that the 2020 general election was his last. Back in 2020 after the general elections, he had told SEARCHLIGHT about his intention to quit competitive politics.

Snagg unsuccessfully contested the Southern Grenadines seat on five occasions . Two names are being floated as possible candidates for the ULP to replace Snagg. They are teacher, Abdon Whyte; and medical professional Chevonne Stewart.

However, some persons in political circles are saying that Snagg may have a change of heart and would seek to run for a sixth consecutive time.

The Grenadines seat has always been in the hands of the NDP, except in 1967 when it was held by James Mitchell who then was a member of the St Vincent Labour Party. Mitchell later fell out with the Labour Party and founded the NDP in 1975. The Grenadines seat was later spilt into two constituencies, Northern Grenadines and Southern Grenadines and have remained in the NDP camp. Other politicians that have been parliamentary representatives for the Southern Grenadines are Mary Hutchinson and Stephanie Browne.

In the 2020 general elections, the Southern Grenadines had 2957 registered voters, however, only 1728 votes were cast, 1151 for the NDP and 564 for the ULP. Thirteen ballots were rejected. In the 2015 elections, in the Southern Grenadines, the NDP received 1120 votes and the ULP, 708. Five votes were rejected.