NLM leader says she is powered by plight of Community to contest elections

There are two constituencies that will have a three-way race in the November 27, 2025 general elections- South Leeward and West St. George. Dr. Doris Charles, leader of the fledgeling National Liberation Movement (NLM), is one of the three candidates in South Leeward. A former teacher, civil servant, and diplomat, the mother of two who spoke to SEARCHLIGHT said she was moved to get involved in elective politics because of requests from some villagers- Rastafarians and other farmers that are around the area. “Added to that, there has been an awakening within me to the plight of those within this particular community and elsewhere.”

Dr. Charles, who served in this country’s diplomatic mission in the UK, spoke of the plight of the people, hearing their cries and being stirred into action. She refers to the NLM, launched in 2022, as a movement that has support not only in St Vincent and the Grenadines, but also abroad. The first time candidate spoke of help provided to persons in dire need in the aftermath of the 2021 volcanic eruptions, for whom she mobilised support. “So it is all of that- that kind of social justice orientation, a Christian response, a humanitarian response to people’s needs” which ballooned into a desire to seek another platform to represent the people of South Leeward. When the party was launched, Dr. Charles had a few other persons who were named as likely candidates, but they have since faded into the background. Speaking to the question of independent candidates and third parties generally being regarded as spoilers in general elections Charles said she is not going into the general elections with a singular approach, there is a composite voice of a core.

“Its an underdog in a way in the manner in which we are viewed because we are just coming into politics in that sense, but nonetheless we are relevant. People

appreciate us and we are getting more recognition.” A graduate with a doctorate in Philosophy and Law from the University of Essex, UK, Dr. Charles said she currently offers her services free of cost as she has been abundantly blessed by God and so has to give back.

A resident of South Leeward, the NLM candidate will seek to win the seat ahead of Grenville Williams of the Unity Labour Party,and the incumbent MP, Nigel Stephenson, of the New Democratic Party.

“Anything is possible in South Leeward,” Dr Charles told SEARCHLIGHT.

“ I am going in confident, believing that I can make a difference- with God, all things are possible.”

The NLM has as its symbol, the bicycle.