Billboard row! A sign of worse to come?

The next general elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines are, based on experiences, not generally expected before late 2025, the government having been re-elected for its fifth five-year term in December 2020.

Given the intense rivalry of our two-party system and the resultant political split in the country, all kinds of terms have ben used to predict each election since 2010, depending on the expectations of the contending parties. We have heard them referred to by such terms as “the most crucial one in our history”, “the Mother of all elections”, among others. However, given what will be at stake next time around, it seems fair to predict that the next parliamentary poll looks likely to be the most contentious in our history.

On the one hand, the governing Unity Labour Party (ULP), has ruled the roost for more than 20 years and already boasts of landing “six in a row” next election. Parties which have had this privilege are more than reluctant to give it up. Additionally, Prime Minister Gonsalves has not only grown into a local political colossus, but he has also grown an impressive global image, looked upon as one of the Caribbean’s political heavyweights. Given his insistence to once more lead his party into elections, in contradiction to earlier statements, he will be expected to fight tooth and nail for one more victory at the helm. He has been building the party’s political stock with fresh, new blood and an eye to its longevity. And, after all ‘how it go look’ for such a political giant to lose to a political lightweight?

On the other hand, the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), must be getting rather “long in the tooth” on Opposition benches, some MPs literally so. Following its victory in the 2009 constitutional referendum, the NDP had predicted victory at each successive election, only to endure the bitter taste of defeat. For the veterans in its leadership this must be their “last train to San Fernando”. They cannot afford to stomach another humiliation at the polls. It is a situation ready made for desperation, on both sides, though to differing degrees. It is in this context that the ongoing row over the erection of billboards by the Opposition must be viewed. There are smaller issues, such as whether the correct procedures were followed, and application to the Planning Authority being made retroactively. However, these, important as they are, pale into insignificance when the message on the first billboard is considered.

The message, strategically placed on the road to Leeward and timed to coincide with the visit of the largest group of travel agents, gave prominence to our local murder count, a record in successive years- 2023 and 2024. It has infuriated the government; understandably so, and the Prime Minister has wasted no time in describing it as another attempt to “mash up the economy”. While it would be foolhardy for a contender for political power to take such action, foolhardiness in pursuit of narrow, selfish aims is a trait well associated with electoral politics.

We would urge the Opposition in exercising its right to woo the electorate to place national interests first. Actions which seem to bring short term gains often return to haunt you. While exercising the right to campaign vigorously, the content, and intent of the message are of paramount importance. The Opposition Leader said it’s aim is to provoke dialogue on combating crime. Whatever the motivation, it will always prove wise to place the interests of nation and people first.