Gonsalves alleges political hand behind cancelled college appointments 

By Val Matthias. Updated 8:27 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Former Prime Minister and current Opposition Leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves has alleged that political interference was behind the cancellation of lecturing arrangements involving attorney Sehon Marshall and former Senator Shackell Bobb at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

Speaking on Star FM on September 23rd, Dr Gonsalves said what he described as the treatment of the two attorneys amounted to political victimisation.

He argued that the decision to terminate the arrangements after both had reportedly been engaged by the college pointed to involvement by what he called the “political directorate.”

“Making it plain that the political directorate got the Community College to victimize is the only logical conclusion.” Dr Gonsalves said.

The Opposition Leader referred to both Bobb and Marshall, noting that they had been selected to teach law-related courses as part-time lecturers.

He said Bobb, a trained lawyer, had already begun teaching before being informed that the arrangement would not continue. 

Dr Gonsalves also argued that a formal written contract was not necessary for an agreement to exist, suggesting that an arrangement had already been established between the parties. 

His comments follow public statements from both Bobb and Marshall describing similar experiences at the Community College.

In a statement posted on social media, Bobb said she had been offered an adjunct lecturing position in law, reported for duty and delivered her first class before learning later that the arrangement had been rescinded.

Marshall, speaking on Hot 97 FM on September 23, said he had been approached by the college, participated in discussions about teaching law courses, prepared for the assignment and delivered his first lecture before receiving an email from the Human Resources Department informing him that the college had decided to “go in a different direction.”

Neither Bobb nor Marshall reported being given a specific reason for the decision.

Dr Gonsalves linked the matter to a broader debate over political victimisation following the change of government.

He pointed to what he said was the dismissal of coordinators and mobilisers, arguing that the treatment of Marshall and Bobb formed part of a wider pattern. 

The former Prime Minister warned that the issue could have wider political consequences if such allegations continue.

“These fellas are building up a record that I didn’t say I warned them. I advised them earlier. They’re going to have trouble in this land. They’re going to have serious trouble in this land.” 

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College has not, in the information available, publicly explained why the arrangements involving Bobb and Marshall were ended.

What is established from the accounts provided by both individuals is that they were engaged in discussions with the college, prepared for teaching assignments, delivered at least one class, and were subsequently informed that the arrangements would not continue. The reason for those decisions remains unclear.

END

About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]