Cracks in the Wall: What West St. George Tells Us About the Country
By Jason Alexander
Sentinel Research Group
The contest in West St. George is shaping up to be a classic test of generational divide versus political familiarity.
In the latest poll conducted by the Sentinel Research Group in the second week of May, Curtis King leads with 52 percent of overall support, while Keshaka Cupid trails at 43 percent, with 5 percent undecided. The numbers reflect a constituency still leaning toward the incumbent, but also a challenger making noticeable inroads—especially among younger voters.
Among voters aged 45 and up, King holds a modest lead of 56 percent to 40 percent, buoyed by his long-standing presence in the community, his background as an educator, and his reputation as a stable and familiar figure. Among women across all age brackets, King maintains a similar edge at 54 percent to Cupid’s 41 percent.
But among the 18 to 35 age group, the dynamics flip.
Cupid leads with 53 percent support, compared to 42 percent for King. The gap is even wider among young men, where Cupid polls at 56 percent, reflecting a desire for change and new energy in leadership. This emerging youth bloc is the most volatile and potentially decisive factor in the race.
Still, Cupid faces challenges. While his name is gaining traction, especially among the youth, many older constituents describe him as not yet visible enough, and question whether he is putting in the necessary groundwork. King, by contrast, is known. He is respected. And in a political environment where trust often follows familiarity, that still carries weight.
Yet this election will not be won on personality alone. The issues are overwhelming:
Crime was cited by 80 percent of respondents as a major concern
Unemployment followed at 65 percent
Cost of living and food prices at 60 percent
Poor road conditions at 55 percent
These are not passing frustrations. They are deep, urgent realities. And they are driving a sense of restlessness across the electorate.
If national polling trends hold, suggesting continued appetite for change and reflecting the popular vote edge the NDP held in the last election, West St. George could become competitive, especially if there is a swing in turnout among young voters. And if that swing is replicated in other constituencies, several ULP strongholds could find themselves in jeopardy.
Right now, Curtis King is ahead, but Keshaka Cupid is rising, carried by a youth wave that may yet shift the political ground beneath both parties.
Jason Alexander is a political analyst with the Sentinel Research Group.