Attorney Jemalie John Hails Dr. Friday as more Popular and Influential

Attorney Mr. Jemalie John speaking to supporters at the opposition New Democratic Party’s youth rally at Owia on November 22. Photo by NDP Facebook page.

By Val Matthias. Updated 11:22 a.m., Sunday, November 23, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

At the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) youth rally in North Windward, lawyer Jemalie John delivered an endorsement of party leader the Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday leader of the opposition party the NDP, praising his charisma, popularity, and influence while highlighting the NDP’s historic achievement in the last general election.

John, who hails from the constituency of South Windward, used the platform to endorse North Windward candidate Shevern John and South Windward candidate Andrew John. But his remarks centered on Dr. Friday’s qualities as a leader, describing him as “younger, better looking, more popular, and more influential” than his rivals. He argued that the ruling party’s constant focus on Dr. Friday was evidence of his growing stature, saying that opponents “chew on Dr. Friday’s name like bubblegum.”

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Importantly, John reminded supporters that under Dr. Friday’s leadership, the NDP secured the popular vote in the 2020 general election for the first time since 1998. According to official figures from the Electoral Office, the NDP won 32,900 votes (50.33%), compared to the Unity Labour Party’s 32,419 votes (49.59%), despite the ULP retaining power with nine seats to the NDP’s six. John framed this outcome as proof of Dr. Friday’s ability to connect with Vincentians and lead the party into government.

“Leadership is not about making promises you cannot keep,” John declared. “Dr. Friday makes it look easy, but it is because he is a hard worker. He has shown humility, resilience, and calm in the face of attacks, and that same spirit will guide him when he occupies the office of Prime Minister.”

The rally, attended by young professionals and party supporters, underscored the NDP’s strategy of energizing its youth base while projecting Dr. Friday as a modern, charismatic leader capable of steering Saint Vincent and the Grenadines into a new political era.

As the November 27 general election approaches, the energy and enthusiasm displayed at the NDP youth rally highlight a critical reality, that young voters will be decisive in shaping the outcome at the polls. With nearly half of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ electorate under the age of 35, their voices carry the potential to tip the balance of power. Whether motivated by party loyalty, policy promises, or calls for change, the choices made by this generation will not only influence who forms the next government but also define the country’s political trajectory for years to come.

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