By Jason Alexander | Political Correspondent, Sentinel Research Group
EAST ST. GEORGE, SVG – Camillo Gonsalves, the incumbent MP for East St. George and Minister of Finance, is expected to secure a third consecutive term in office. Polling conducted by the Sentinel Research Group shows Gonsalves maintaining a firm lead over his challenger, Laverne Gibson Velox of the New Democratic Party (NDP), even as she increases her presence in the constituency.
A Familiar Face With a Strong Record
Gonsalves, first elected in 2015, won the seat again in 2020 with 2,846 votes, defeating Gibson Velox by a margin of 196 votes. Notably, Gibson Velox did not perform better than her predecessor, Dr. Linton Lewis. Analysts believe the tighter margin was due more to ULP voter apathy than an NDP surge.
With ULP supporters re-engaged this time around, and several major government projects either underway or announced, Gonsalves’ support has solidified in most areas of the constituency.
Gibson Velox: High Visibility, Low Conversion
Gibson Velox, a retired banker and entrepreneur, has been actively campaigning and is now far more visible in the constituency than before. She leads in ground presence and visibility, but polling suggests this has not resulted in a corresponding increase in voter support.
While many voters acknowledge her responsiveness, some express reservations. She is described by segments of the electorate as “erratic,” “emotional,” or “politically immature”—qualities that, fairly or not, continue to affect voter trust and confidence.
Sentinel Polling: April 2025
Candidate Perception
Category Camillo Gonsalves Laverne Gibson Velox Undecided
Visibility in Community 41% 54% 5%
Responsiveness to Needs 46% 45% 9%
Trustworthiness 52% 36% 12%
Leadership Ability 57% 31% 12%
Likely to Improve Constituency 55% 33% 12%
Community-Level Support
Community Gonsalves Velox Undecided
Calliaqua 54% 40% 6%
Villa and Glen 58% 37% 5%
Brighton 52% 43% 5%
Enhams and Belvedere 56% 39% 5%
Fairhall and Carapan 55% 40% 5%
Gonsalves has gained modest but consistent increases across all major polling zones.
Major Projects Strengthen Incumbent’s Position
East St. George has received some of the highest capital spending per capita in recent years. Government projects currently active or soon to launch include:
• Road upgrades in Brighton, Glen, and Calliaqua
• Drainage and slope stabilization in Fairhall and Enhams
• Housing development in Brighton and Carapan
• Expanded community lighting in Villa
• Rehabilitation of the Calliaqua Playing Field and surrounding facilities
These projects have enhanced Gonsalves’ image as a deliverer of results and a minister who can access and direct resources for his constituency.
Conclusion
While Laverne Gibson Velox has raised her profile and closed the gap on visibility, Camillo Gonsalves continues to dominate on the metrics that matter most to voters: trust, leadership, and capability.
With the infrastructure agenda moving ahead and voter turnout from the ULP base expected to rebound, East St. George is forecasted to remain in ULP hands—unless a major shift occurs.