Former NDP Youth Arm president Vakeesha John says she spent much of her childhood “carrying the weight of political divisions” and facing hostility because of her family’s long-standing support for the NDP.
In the recording, which appears to come from an interview with a local radio station, John alleges that supporters of the ULP targeted her socially and verbally when she was a child, saying she was ‘labeled, sidelined, and unfairly treated’ in situations where she felt political affiliation influenced how she was viewed.
“These were experiences no child should have gone through,” she said. “I felt punished for who my grandparents supported, not for anything I had done.”
John emphasised that her comments reflect her personal experiences, noting that political polarization in small communities can create lasting emotional effects.
While she previously served as a youth leader within the NDP’s youth wing, and says she had been a lifetime NDP supporter, John announced in November 2025 that she will now vote for the ULP in the upcoming general election.
In a Facebook-video message promoted by the ULP, John — who hails from Central Leeward — called the NDP’s opposition leader “chaotic” and claimed she “experienced his laziness with her own eyes.” She said her decision to switch support grew out of concerns about youth development and the need for “good leadership” that actively empowers young people.
Reflecting on her time within the NDP youth wing, John said her years in youth leadership were both empowering and challenging. She described moments of disagreement and frustration, explaining that internal debates sometimes became intense as young members pushed for more visibility, resources, and support.
According to John, these differences of opinion were part of her growth. In the audio recording, she mentioned that she frequently urged party leaders to be more active and engaged with young supporters. She recalled delivering strong criticism at times, telling senior figures that the youth felt overlooked and wanted more initiative from those at the top.
“I always believed the youth should have a strong voice,” she said. “When I felt things weren’t moving fast enough, I said so. I wasn’t afraid to push back.”
John stressed that her criticisms were never personal, but were aimed at strengthening the party’s overall performance and encouraging greater accountability and motivation among everyone involved.
She added that despite past disagreements, she remains “grateful for the role the party played” in shaping her leadership skills and political awareness. Today, she says her focus is on promoting fairness, unity, and a healthier political culture — especially for young people who may feel trapped between loyalty to family and the pressures of community politics.
“Politics should not be about who you know or where your grandparents stood,” she said. “It should be about what you can contribute and how you are treated.”
