Andrew John, the man selected to contest the South Windward seat for the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has proclaimed that change is coming to that constituency and to St Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole.

John was officially launched as the NDP’s South Windward candidate at a public meeting in Biabou last Saturday night, March 9, 2024.

In his maiden public speech as the NDP’s South Windward candidate, John said “I am here tonight to let you know that change is coming to this land.”

“Change is coming to South Windward, and Andrew John is going to make sure that it happens,” he told supporters.

At present, the constituency of South Windward is represented in Parliament by Minister of the Public Service, Frederick Stephenson who has been the representative since being first elected in the December, 2010 general elections.

John, a former educator and trade unionist is replacing former candidate Noel Dickson who unsuccessfully contested the seat for the NDP in two successive general elections- 2015 and 2020.

After proclaiming change, the former teacher and principal said that after assessment, he has given the governing Unity Labour Party (ULP) a failing grade.

“I have assessed this present government that we have, and have given them a resounding failing grade for their performance over the years,” John declared.

“I give a failing grade to the representation that we have been getting here in South Windward.

“They failed and they have to respect that F.”

Additionally, the new candidate charged that the ruling Unity Labour Party has “left us in South Windward behind and they have taken us for granted”.

Of concern to John is the rate of unemployment in the area, especially among young people, and the deplorable condition of roads in the constituency.

“Our young people are suffering and we are going to stop it,” he promised.

“Andrew John is going to make sure that it stops.

“When I come here, it is saying to you that I mean business.”

Calling for a united approach, John said “I need us to work together to ensure that we change what is happening in our country right now.”

Andrew John recently got the nod over environmentalist, Dr Andrew Simmons to be the NDP’s South Windward candidate in South Windward in the next general elections which are constitutionally due in 2025.