As the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government marks another anniversary in power, Vincentians are confronted with a harsh reality of a legacy riddled with broken promises and a dismal record of performance.
After 24 years in power, it is evident that the ULP government is out of touch, lacking both the energy and innovative vision needed to propel St. Vincent and the Grenadines forward. Instead of prioritizing the needs of the people, they seem to be more focused on securing a sixth term. The question must be asked: has the quality of life improved for Vincentians during their tenure? Or, are we left with broken promises and stagnation? St. Vincent and the Grenadines deserves better than this complacency.
Over the years, the government has failed to deliver on promises made during election campaigns and budget announcements; such as, the construction of secondary schools in Sandy Bay and Brighton, the rehabilitation of the Thomas Secondary School, the long-anticipated renovation of the Owia Fisheries Complex, remain unfulfilled. Vincentians are still waiting for the development of cultural hubs in North Central Windward and North Leeward, as well as the development of the Ottley Hall Marina, which has the potential to create hundreds of jobs and boost tourism.
During the period, the ULP government has established a series of troubling records. Notably, we have the highest youth unemployment rate among countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, a staggering 46% of our young people are unable to find work. This alarming statistic paints a stark picture of the economic landscape. It is further compounded by the fact that St Vincent and the Grenadines pays the lowest wages in the region.
Further, there is a significant increase in poverty in the country under the ULP government. The 2018 Poverty Report that was shelved revealed some startling statistics. This report unveiled that the proportion of the population living in poverty surged from 30.2% in 2008 to an alarming 36.1% a decade later. Furthermore, the level of indigence has escalated significantly, jumping from 2.9% to 11.3%. With a population of approximately 110,000, these figures reflect a deepening economic crisis.
It must be noted that key reports that are vital for informed decision-making, such as the Labour Force Survey conducted in 2022, remain absent from public discourse. The anticipated report of the National Population and Housing Census, initiated in 2023, has yet to be released, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of demographic dynamics. Compounding these concerns is the troubling fact that there has not been an Agricultural Census in over twenty- four years, which is essential for assessing the state of our agricultural sector and guiding policies to ensure food security and sustainable growth.
The agriculture sector has suffered under the ULP government. Agriculture once served as the backbone of our nation’s economy, providing livelihoods and sustenance for families. However, under the ULP government, this critical sector has experienced a dramatic decline. Today, agriculture contributes a mere 6% to the Gross Domestic Product, a stark contrast to its previous share of over 20%. This trend not only reflects diminished agricultural output but also underscores a broader economic challenge. The decline of this vital industry affects food security, employment, and rural development.
We have also seen the government failure to effectively implement initiatives from the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) program. For instance, the Green House Park at Montreal is a disaster. It is a major failure. And, the government has failed to construct an abattoir which will bring tremendous benefits to livestock owners and butchers.
Crime is spiraling out of control, raising serious concerns about the safety of Vincentians. In 2023, the situation reached alarming rate, with a record-breaking 55 homicides reported. In 2024 with 54 homicides recorded, the numbers remain distressingly high, indicating that the underlying issues fueling this crisis have yet to be effectively addressed.
The ULP government has yet to provide a comprehensive plan in response to the escalating cost of living crisis that is significantly impacting the lives of Vincentians. In these challenging times, Vincentians are voicing their concerns and expressing a clear desire for an action plan from the government to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. They want to see a concrete action plan from the ULP that outlines specific measures to alleviate the financial burden they are facing.
Our road network is a disgrace. It is the worst it has been in living memory. For 24 years, the ULP government has turned a blind eye to the deteriorating state of our roads. Huge potholes and lack of maintenance of these roads have become the norm severely impacting pedestrians and the travelling public, and causing financial strain on vehicle owners. Immediate action is needed to prioritize road repairs to ensure that our transportation system is functioning effectively.
Over the years, we have consistently raised awareness about the pressing issues plaguing the education sector and have urged the government to implement the necessary changes. One critical area that demands immediate attention is the integration of an effective skills training program into the educational system which should be designed to meet our developmental needs and equip students for the challenges of the workforce. Despite our repeated calls for action, there has been a lack of response from the government. Instead of addressing these vital challenges, the government appears content to propagate its slogan of an ‘Education Revolution’, while neglecting to provide solutions that would truly benefit the students.
It is obvious that the ULP government has struggled to address the challenges they have created during their time in office. The ongoing social and economic crisis in St Vincent and the Grenadines highlights a pressing need for change. Vincentians are looking for a fresh approach. The NDP is ready to deliver.
