By Jason Alexander, Political Correspondent
South Leeward Constituency – 2025 General Elections Analysis
Nigel “Nature” Stephenson Set for Record Victory
The latest Sentinel Research Group polling and constituency analysis shows that Nigel “Nature” Stephenson, incumbent representative for South Leeward, is on track to deliver the largest margin of victory in the history of the constituency. Stephenson, who has held the seat since 2010, remains one of the most popular and trusted politicians in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Polls conducted between April 15 and April 23, 2025, reveal Stephenson leading challenger Grenville Williams by overwhelming margins across every demographic category surveyed:
Demographic Group Nigel Stephenson Grenville Williams
Women 72% 18%
Youth (18-35) 68% 20%
Older voters (36+) 75% 17%
Overall Support 70% 19%
On key leadership attributes, the gap is even more pronounced:
Category Nigel Stephenson Grenville Williams
Trustworthiness 74% 16%
Effective Leadership 71% 18%
Likely to Improve Constituency 69% 19%
Community Engagement 76% 14%
Caring for the Ordinary Citizen 78% 13%
These figures are consistent with Stephenson’s record of electoral performance, winning in 2010, 2015, and 2020, each time increasing his margin of victory.
Grenville Williams: A Candidate Struggling for Traction
Grenville Williams, the current Attorney General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, faces significant headwinds in his attempt to unseat Stephenson.
Conflict of Interest
Williams’ continued service as Attorney General while running for elected office has been heavily criticized. Sentinel Research Group joins constitutional commentators in expressing concern that it is a clear conflict of interest. The Attorney General holds a quasi-judicial office that demands impartiality. Simultaneously seeking political office risks undermining public trust in both the Attorney General’s office and the fairness of governance. Even if he were to resign now, his credibility would already be compromised.
A Pattern of Poor Judgment
Grenville Williams’ campaign has been marred by several unforced errors that reveal a troubling pattern of poor judgment. One of the more disturbing incidents resurfacing during the campaign is the allegation that Williams, after previously failing to secure political support, returned to the constituency and repossessed building materials he had earlier donated to residents. Such an act, perceived by many as spiteful and vindictive, has severely damaged his standing among constituents, reinforcing perceptions that he prioritizes personal grievances over genuine service to the people.
A Major Misstep: The GoFundMe Controversy
Shortly after Williams was selected as the ULP candidate, a GoFundMe fundraising campaign was launched to support his candidacy. Critically, the campaign was started by an individual widely known for toxic, divisive behavior and for their public support of Donald Trump, a political figure seen globally as hostile to non-white interests.
The campaign turned into a public relations disaster. It failed to attract any meaningful support. The only donor was the very person who launched it. The GoFundMe page was quietly deleted soon after.
Allowing such a campaign to be associated with his candidacy highlights another serious lapse in judgment by Williams. It shows poor political instincts, tone-deafness to local sensitivities, and a worrying disconnection from the constituency’s values.
Lingering Doubts from 2015: A Perception of Weakness
Williams’ current struggles are also rooted in long-standing perceptions stemming from the events of 2015. At that time, Williams had expressed strong interest in being selected as the Unity Labour Party’s candidate for South Leeward. However, he later withdrew from the selection race, clearing the way for Jomo Thomas to become the party’s candidate.
Among many constituents, Williams’ withdrawal was seen as a sign of weakness. There was a strong view that he should have fought through to the end to secure the nomination, rather than stepping aside under pressure. The decision to bow out created a lasting impression of unreliability and a lack of resolve. This perception has persisted and continues to undermine Williams’ credibility among voters who value resilience and determination in their political representatives.
Notable Silence: The Absence of Shafia London
Another critical and widely noted factor undermining Williams’ campaign is the visible absence of his wife, Shafia London, from his political activities. London, a highly respected figure in the fields of business, management, and entrepreneurship, commands considerable admiration across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Public opinion surveys and community feedback reveal that her presence alongside Williams could have been a tremendous asset, particularly in boosting his credibility among business-minded voters and women. Instead, her absence has raised eyebrows and intensified perceptions that Williams lacks strong grassroots support, even within his own household. In a constituency where personal endorsements carry significant weight, the fact that Shafia London has not been seen accompanying him or openly advocating for his candidacy is widely interpreted as a serious blow to his chances.
Final Outlook
All data and indicators suggest that Nigel “Nature” Stephenson will not only retain South Leeward but will do so with the largest margin of victory ever recorded in the constituency.
Stephenson remains trusted, effective, accessible, and deeply connected to the people of South Leeward. In contrast, Grenville Williams faces crippling liabilities, including accusations of vindictiveness, conflicts of interest, toxic political associations, poor judgment, lingering perceptions of weakness, and the deafening silence of one of the most respected potential allies he could have had.
Barring a political earthquake, South Leeward will once again stand firmly behind Nigel Stephenson on Election Day.
