By Jason Alexander | Sentinel Research Group
Long a ULP stronghold, South Windward shows signs of political fatigue as internal divisions, public frustration, and an emboldened opposition reshape the landscape.
As the Unity Labour Party prepares to replace retiring South Windward MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gustaus Stephenson, internal competition has intensified between contractor and engineer Louis Daisley and community college lecturer Rodan John. Stephenson, who secured three consecutive victories, is stepping away from electoral politics, leaving behind a seat the ULP has held for more than 30 years—even during its time in opposition.
Yet the signs of that loyalty are increasingly difficult to see. Roads are in disrepair, youth unemployment is high, farmlands remain idle, crime—especially praedial larceny—is on the rise, and poverty remains stubbornly high. Despite being home to the country’s only international airport, the people of South Windward say they have seen little of the economic uplift they were promised.
Recent polling conducted by the Sentinel Research Group shows that among ULP supporters in the constituency, Louis Daisley is seen as the strongest replacement for Stephenson, leading decisively in every category:
Poll 1: Among ULP supporters in South Windward, who is most likely to retain the seat for the party?
Name Electability Leadership Favourability
Louis Daisley 68 percent 64 percent 66 percent
Rodan John 19 percent 22 percent 20 percent
Undecided/Others 13 percent 14 percent 14 percent
In a separate question, respondents were asked who they would prefer if the options included the retiring MP.
Poll 2: Who would you prefer as the ULP candidate for South Windward if Stephenson were still available?
Name Overall Preference
Gustaus Stephenson 28 percent
Louis Daisley 61 percent
Rodan John 11 percent
The New Democratic Party has named retired educator and union leader Andrew John as its candidate. In the 2020 general election, Noel Dickson of the NDP closed the gap considerably, receiving 2,100 votes to Stephenson’s 2,339—a margin of just 239 votes. It was one of the closest contests in a constituency the ULP has historically counted as safe.
With no official successor yet declared and with mounting public dissatisfaction, high poverty, and a worsening quality of life, South Windward is no longer the guaranteed ULP seat it once was. It is now one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the country.
