After November 27th, No Government or Opposition Should Ever Claim They Lack Resources

The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of One News SVG. Opinion pieces can be sent to us at onennewsstvincent@gmail.com

As the 2025 General Election barrels toward November 27th, one thing has become unmistakably clear, both major political parties in St. Vincent and the Grenadines possess extraordinary capacity to mobilize financial resources when it suits their ambitions.

This year’s campaign spending has reached levels that can only be described as excessive, extravagant, and, frankly, baffling. Lavish motorcades, elaborate rallies, imported entertainment, and unprecedented advertising budgets all demonstrate that when votes are at stake, neither side is short of sponsors, donors, or financial backers.

And that reality raises a critical point that Vincentians must not ignore.

After November 27th, whichever party forms government, and whichever becomes the opposition, should never again present to the nation that they “do not have access to financial resources” to do the work they are elected and expected to do. Both the Government and the elected area representatives now stand exposed. The ability to secure funding clearly exists. The networks exist. The connections exist. The willingness exists, at least during campaign season.

If political parties can raise enormous sums to stage opulent campaigns, then the same creativity, urgency, and determination should be applied year round to improve the lives and livelihoods of Vincentians.

Whether in office or in opposition, parties should be held to the same standard they have set during this campaign period.

If you can find money for fireworks, you can find money for consistent support for the indigent for school supplies and grants, across all communities.

If you can find money for rallies and multiple international artistes, you can find money for impactful and sustained community programmes.

If you can attract sponsors for campaigns, you can attract sponsors for health initiatives, skills training, youth development, and constituency projects that touch lives beyond their political choices.

And if the argument is, “work was done,” then where was the same energy in promoting that work, then. After all, the campaign rallies, elections promises and entertainment are highly visible.

I firmly believe “Work” should not begin during an election season nor should it be promised.

Whatever political biases we hold, it cannot be denied that this election has unintentionally revealed a truth, access to funding is NOT the problem, priority is. And as a young person watching these trends unfold, is deeply upsetting.

We talk about the poverty stricken communities and individuals, but imagine if even a fraction of the funds being used now were consistently directed toward initiatives that transform socio-economic realities.

After November 27th, no official should return to the familiar refrain of “we have no money” or “I’m not in power,” when history has shown, loudly and clearly that money can be found when the goal is beneficial to them.

This country, and our people, deserve that same energy and effort.

Vincentians deserve leadership from both sides that is resourceful not only in the pursuit of power, but in service to the people.

The writer and sender of this article has requested anonymity.

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