Gonsalves Hails Youth Power as Former NDP Youth Leaders Join ULP

From Left: Ms. Vakeesha John and Ms. Shafika Nanton. These images were obtained from a recent ULP live stream.

By Val Matthias. Updated 10:51 a.m., Monday, November 24, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves declared Sunday night’s Unity Labour Party (ULP) youth rally at Richmond Hill “one of the largest political gatherings in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,’ underscoring the party’s growing momentum among young voters.

Addressing thousands of supporters, Gonsalves praised the energy and vision of the ULP’s youthful slate of candidates, contrasting it with what he described as the ‘troubled leadership of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP).

“Something is wrong with the NDP when, at one and the same time, they could lose Shafika Nanton, who was the leader in a critical seat, North Windward and their National Youth Leader Vakeesha John,” Gonsalves told the crowd.

Both Nanton, formerly president of the NDP’s youth arm in North Windward, and John, who served as President of the NDP Young Democrats before resigning in 2023, have since aligned themselves with the ULP. Their defection, Gonsalves argued, reflects a broader shift among young Vincentians toward the ruling party’s policies and leadership style.

The Prime Minister emphasised that while the ULP values the wisdom of its senior figures including himself, Curtis King, and Jimmy Prince the party’s strength lies in its ability to blend experience with youthful dynamism.

“The ancient Hebrew people never threw away their patriarchs, because in the patriarch resides knowledge and wisdom,” Gonsalves said. “But equally, we need the energy, will, and vision of the young people in the ULP’s leadership, including our dynamic young women, Sister Nanton and Sister John.”

On November 19, 2025, John publicly declared her support for the ULP in a Facebook video. She criticised NDP leader Dr. Godwin Friday’s leadership was “chaotic” and accused him of “laziness”.

After resigning, John went on radio to accuse senior NDP figures of contributing to her departure, including spokesperson Lavern King and executive member Clemroy “Bert” Francois.

The rally featured speeches from several young candidates, reinforcing the ULP’s message of renewal and continuity.

-END-