North Leeward came alive Sunday night as Dr. Kishore Shallow, the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) candidate, delivered a fiery and uncompromising address aimed squarely at incumbent MP Carlos James of the Unity Labour Party (ULP).
Throughout the more than 30-minute presentation, Shallow framed his candidacy as a response to what he described as years of unfulfilled promises, political favouritism, and a widening disconnect between James and his constituents.
Shallow opened with a message he repeated throughout the night:
“ONEY” — 1 Vote Carlos. Come answer your judgement.”
This Election Is Not About Me and Carlos
Shallow told supporters that he had personally telephoned James on 5 October 2024, informing him that his decision to contest the North Leeward seat was based on public need, not personal ambition.
“This election is not about me and Carlos. This election is about the people of North Leeward and St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said.
He added that, had James been an effective representative, he would not have felt compelled to step forward.
“If over the last four years you had been a good MP and represented the people, I would not have to come forward to represent them,” Shallow said, adding that he wished James well “in his private career after politics”.
Broken Promises and Favouritism
Shallow went on to accuse the ULP parliamentarian of poor representation, claiming James “does not honour his word” and prioritises “friends and family” over ordinary residents.
He also declared that he had begun referring to the government as the “Unity Lying Party”, alleging that the ruling party thrives on misinformation.
Way Vynette Deh? — Retrieving the Documents
Before unveiling what he described as evidence of questionable dealings, Shallow paused mid-speech and called out to a supporter in the crowd.
“Way Vynette deh? Vynette, bring that thing for me please,” he said, asking her to bring his briefcase from backstage.
Moments later, he produced a large envelope which he said contained documents relating to a company he identified as Belmonte Holdings Limited.
Shallow Questions Belmonte Holdings Limited
Holding the envelope above his head, Shallow told supporters he had several questions for the sitting MP.
“I want Carlos James to tell us who own Belmonte Holdings Limited,” he said. “Look at the document. Alyo can zoom in if you want — I seeing a ‘James’ there. I not calling no first name. But I want Carlos to tell us if this is a family business.”
Shallow claimed the company — which he described as a trucking and block-making operation — was registered on 12 January 2021, after James became MP.
He says that Belmonte Holdings has been active on government-related works in the Cumberland area, including what he called a “little wall” currently under construction.
“There are millions of dollars spending up there right now,” he told supporters.”
Claims About the Belmont Agriculture Depot
Shallow further said that the Belmont Agriculture Depot, once a functioning facility, deteriorated under James’ watch before being abandoned.
“I understand Belmonte totally left the building to run down for a few months. Then suddenly they start a block-building company,” he said.”
He claimed his calculations show that the company may have generated over a million dollars in the last four years, and insisted the public has a right to know who benefits from that money.
Document “Verified”, Shallow Says
Shallow invited Major St. Clair Leacock, the opposition MP for Central Kingstown, onto the stage to view the papers. The crowd erupted as Major jokingly inspected the sheets before declaring the material “right and correct”.
Shallow insisted he would release the documents publicly.
“I am going to put this document in the public domain so everybody can see for themselves,” he said.”
He argued that elected officials must never compete financially with the small businesses they represent.
“No MP should be competing with the truck man and the block man who voted for them,” he said. “You can’t keep them out of work so you could get the work.”
He added that an NDP government would never remove small contractors or tradespeople from opportunities.
One Vote = One Term for Carlos James
The NDP candidate told the crowd that the ULP administration operates for the benefit of “family and friends”, urging voters to remove the government at the upcoming polls.
“One vote equal one term for Carlos James,” he declared. “We have to get rid of this government who only looking out for their friends and family.”
Message to Storm Gonsalves
Shallow also directly addressed comments he said were made by Storm Gonsalves, son of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.
He alleged Storm had attempted to belittle North Leeward residents and challenged him to enter politics if he believes his resources give him an advantage.
“If he feel he bad, tell him come run against me in 2030,” Shallow said. “If he feel because he have millions in his pocket he could talk down to people, tell him come.”
