As Vincentians prepare to head to the polls next week – many with the clear intention of electing the New Democratic Party and finally sending Ralph Gonsalves into permanent retirement—it is only fair that we examine the individuals who have been closest to him throughout his long rule. Among them is his most praised successor and long-standing Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar.
Mr. Caesar is a likable man. Few will deny that. He is warm, approachable, and carries himself with humility. Many Vincentians genuinely admire him. But elections are not about personality alone – they are about results, delivery, and measurable improvements in people’s lives. And when I sit and reflect on his actual performance, one question keeps returning: What exactly has Saboto Caesar accomplished during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture?
For years, “food security” has been his signature phrase – almost to the point of becoming a slogan. But slogans do not feed farmers. Slogans do not expand exports. And slogans certainly do not build a thriving agricultural economy.
Today, St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not have a strong export market. Instead of building the systems to help farmers sell regionally and internationally – creating wealth, bringing in foreign exchange, and lifting rural communities—the government buys the farmers’ produce and redistributes it to citizens. Some may applaud this model, but we must ask the serious question: Is this success? Is this how a modern agricultural economy should function? Or is this simply a recycling of taxpayer money dressed up as policy?
Mr. Caesar represents some of the most agricultural, hardworking communities in the country. Yet the very people who till the soil, plant, harvest, and endure droughts, pests, and storms have not seen real financial empowerment under his leadership. The farmers of South Central Windward deserve development—not dependency. They deserve opportunities—not occasional handouts.
Why is it that after all these years, with a minister from a farming community, the same communities are still poor, still struggling, still dependent, and still without a path to economic growth?
Where are the large-scale export agreements?
Where are the agri-processing facilities?
Where is the diversification?
Where is the youth involvement?
Where is the long-promised modernisation?
And most importantly: Where is the change?
It is only fair to ask Mr. Caesar: after so many years in office, why should the people of SCW continue voting for you? What tangible improvements can you point to—not speeches, not handouts, not promises, but real, measurable accomplishments?
Vincentians deserve answers. Farmers deserve answers. And as we stand on the threshold of a new political era, the people must decide whether they will continue accepting the same cycle—or whether they will choose a new direction.
Next week’s election is not just about retiring Ralph Gonsalves.
It is about retiring failure, stagnation, and politics of dependency.
The people of South Central Windward deserve leadership that empowers them, not leadership that pacifies them.
And that is the question Saboto Caesar must answer.
The following is an opinion piece submitted by an editorial contributor. The views expressed are entirely those of the author.
