In a bold statement during the launch of his new constituency office in Rose Hall, New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for North Leeward, Dr. Kishore Shallow, criticized the recently opened office of incumbent MP Carlos James, describing it as a “garage” and suggesting it lacked the dignity the people of Rose Hall deserve.
Shallow, who officially opened his Rose Hall office on April 30, 2025, accused James of hastily renovating a red and white building adorned with stars in an effort to follow his lead.
“Because he heard I was opening an office in Rose Hall, he ran to open one,” Shallow told the crowd. “But at least have some standards. Don’t disrespect the people of Rose Hall by opening a garage or a rum shop, as some people called it.”
Since entering politics, Carlos James has operated an office in Chateaubelair. However, the appearance of the newly renovated structure in Rose Hall has prompted public commentary and criticism from the opposition candidate.
Dr. Shallow’s new office is his second in the constituency, the first being launched in Chateaubelair on April 4. He has also hinted at a third office in Spring Village.
He emphasized that his initiative is not politically motivated but rather grounded in personal history and deep-rooted connections to the area.
“This right here is love! This is not me trying to score cheap political points. This is not me trying to play catch-up. But this is real interest in representing you, the people of Rose Hall—the way you deserve to be treated,” he said. “I grew up as a boy understanding that my roots are from this community, Rose Hall. The Richards, the Lampkins, the Shallows, the Ferdinands are my blood. And others, like the Stapletons, Samuels, and Chambers, are my dear friends. So this office is an investment from the bottom of my heart.”
Dr. Shallow also used the occasion to criticize the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) record in the constituency, questioning how much of the over $6.75 billion in cumulative national budget expenditure over the past four years has benefited Rose Hall or North Leeward.
“Now tell me, how much of that money have been spent in Rose Hall? Can you tell me that here in Rose Hall or North Leeward, you have seen or felt that 6.7 billion dollars?” he asked.
The launch in Rose Hall comes as part of a broader strategy by the NDP to solidify grassroots presence across constituencies. Within the past three weeks, two other NDP candidates—Conroy Huggins (Central Leeward) and Kaschaka Cupid (West St. George)—have also launched new constituency offices.
The race for North Leeward is expected to be a heated one, with both parties ramping up efforts to connect with voters ahead of the next general elections.
