Former Unity Labour Party (ULP) senator Shackell Bobb Bobb has raised serious concerns regarding the governing New Democratic Party (NDP) administration, warning that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is sliding down a “slippery slope” nine months into the government’s term.
Speaking during a radio discussion, Bobb asserted that the administration has delivered “nothing substantial” of its own making and has failed to meet key developmental benchmarks.
According to Bobb, the NDP government is largely benefiting from developmental groundwork and funding previously set in motion by the ULP administration. She stated that the government failed to achieve a 50 percent pass rate on its initial pledges at the 60-day mark, and showed no major progress at the 100-day or six-month milestones.
Bobb claimed that frustration is mounting across the country as citizens face everyday challenges without adequate government interventions. She contrasted the current situation with past ULP governance, noting that previous leadership successfully navigated severe economic recessions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano while keeping public workers paid and disaster relief circulating.
The former Senator strongly criticized the administration’s fiscal strategy, pointing out that its primary revenue plan relied on Citizenship by Investment (CBI), which ultimately fell through, leaving no clear backup plan. She highlighted the controversial sale of Shatam Bay (Chatham Bay) in Union Island for $20 million USD ($54 million XCD), characterizing it as prime beachfront virgin property sold for less than half its true market value.
Bobb also expressed skepticism regarding plans for a National Development Bank, noting that international financial bodies such as the IMF have issued warnings, while emphasizing the high default risks of offering uncollateralized loans without salary assignments.
Turning to legal reforms, Bobb sounded the alarm over proposed legislative changes that shield the identities of company beneficial owners. She warned that restricting access to beneficial ownership data threatens to compromise anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards, exposing the nation to potential blacklisting by international regulatory oversight bodies like the OECD and FATF. Bobb argued that this policy reflects a return to pre-2001 NDP practices, creating an atmosphere of secrecy rather than the transparency promised to voters.
Addressing public safety, Bobb criticized the government’s crime management, citing brazen daylight shootings occurring near central police headquarters. She dismissed claims of a “new sheriff in town” and rejected proposed government outreach to external US law enforcement agencies like the NYPD and FBI as ineffective “lip service,” arguing that regional bodies such as the Regional Security System (RSS) are far better suited to address local crime dynamics.
Furthermore, Bobb condemned proposals for tougher bail rules for firearm offenses, warning that bypassing constitutional protections without consulting key stakeholders—such as the bar association, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the police force—could undermine fundamental rights and jeopardize the rehabilitation of first-time offenders.
Bobb highlighted operational strain within public infrastructure and social programs, citing reports of relief teachers facing layoffs, daily-paid workers experiencing payment delays, and unfulfilled campaign promises regarding financial allowances and student fee eliminations.
Within the Ministry of Education, she drew attention to severe resource shortages, including instances where students at schools like Langley Park Government School lacked adequate desks and were forced to stand during classes. Finally, Bobb called for transparency surrounding environmental destruction in the Canash conservation area, questioning who authorized heavy machinery to clear fragile coastal ecosystems and mangrove defenses without a public Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
