“Elections Could Be Called ‘In the Twinkling of an Eye’ — Gonsalves, ULP in Power Since 2001, Eyes Record Sixth Term”

Prime Minister and leader of the ULP, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, said the upcoming elections can be called “in the twinkling of an eye” and urged supporters to be ready. He was at the time addressing party members during the selection process for the North Central Windward (NCW) constituency, where he was confirmed as the candidate on Saturday.

Dr. Gonsalves took the opportunity to remind supporters of various projects his government has delivered over nearly 25 years in office. These include the Argyle International Airport, the Rabacca Bridge and several other bridges in North Windward, the Education Revolution, the modern port, and the housing revolution. He stressed that his administration is the only government in the living history of the country to provide homes for persons after natural disasters—namely, following the volcanic eruptions, Hurricane Beryl, and the 2013 floods.

The Prime Minister also addressed those who may feel dissatisfied because they did not receive certain assistance, such as a new board for their roof. “You may not have gotten the board changed,” he said, “but your child might have received a scholarship, or another person in the same household might have benefited. When you think about not being satisfied, think about how many times you were satisfied.”

Gonsalves reminded the gathering that when voting, citizens should consider three things: leadership, the candidate, and the government’s track record. He criticized the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), which has been out of government for close to 25 years, saying they lack leadership. As an example, he referenced the decision to grant citizenship to the “Legends” of the 1975 World Cup cricket team, noting that Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday described it as a political decision he “had to make.”

“You could imagine that party in government with Leacock, Cummings, and Bramble—it would be chaos,” Dr. Gonsalves emphasized. He urged supporters not to become complacent: “You have to go out and vote. Don’t stay home and say Labour done win.”