🌋🎬 POLITICS PARADISE: THE VINCY SEASON FINALE

SVG’s Elections and the Creative Road Ahead

As someone deeply involved in local media production, with a genuine affection for this island and its resilient inhabitants, every five years feels like Christmas for us creatives: it's when we finally get some substantial work. This time, it was a creative feast that left us satisfied yet eager for more—a full-scale, Vincy-produced, Netflix-quality blockbuster. Imagine: Politics Paradise (Season Finale)—shot on location in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, produced by The People, directed by God and company.

Media folks ate good, graphic designers leveled up from funeral programs to full-blown campaigns, and even the village philosopher got mic'd up for a hot take. Boy, 2025 will go down as the year SVG accidentally produced one of the biggest reality blockbusters in Caribbean history—and didn’t even need a budget. Because this election had EVERYTHING: action, suspense, drama, comedy, faith, betrayal, redemption, helicopters, speedboats, mascots, memes, mass choirs, banana-branch prophets, WhatsApp philosophers, TikTok editors, drone pilots. Even political Avengers. And the best part? Every single scene was made by Vincentians.

Let's keep it 100: this election didn't just employ hundreds—it unleashed a Vincy creative storm. Everyday folks unearthed hidden superpowers: the barber flipping his clippers for a camera, the aunty turning her porch into a livestream studio, the taxi man dropping strategy gems sharper than his cutlass. They campaigned, advised, designed, memed, animated, built props, party fashion showcases, beat pan like carnival never ended, strategized, broadcasted, and defended their side with fire. It wasn't politics; it was a crash course in homegrown production, proving what happens when cash flows, deadlines bite, and the Vincy engine revs full throttle—a national workshop, a cultural awakening, an industry test run. We saw what a real Orange Economy can do WITHOUT even being funded. Imagine if we fund it?

And 2025? Levels upon levels. For the first time, AI crashed the party, animating political mascots like “Laybah Hag” and “NDP Donkey” into social media stars. These weren't bland bots—they had Vincy swagger: cheeky humor, folklore backstories, and fanbases roasting politicians harder than a Sunday barbecue. Popping up in videos, memes, and comment wars, they had more charisma than some rally speeches. It wasn't just fun; it was a glimpse of how tech can remix our cultural roots into global exports. It screamed one truth: Vincentians don't just scroll digital culture—we own it, remix it, and sling it forward like a fresh roti.

🌋🎬 EPISODE 1: “46 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE — AND EVERYBODY READY FOR THE SEQUEL”

Before the season even started, SVG looked in the mirror and asked: “Who are we now? Who we protecting? What kinda Vincy we building for the next generation?” And from Fancy to Union Island, the answer echoed: “We sovereignty nah for sale. We culture nah for sale. We future nah for sale.” Not to colonizers, neo-colonizers, regional meddlers, money-sprayers, “investors,” silent partners, or shadow directors. Hairouna lock the gate. Password required. And the password is PRIDE.

🚤🔥 EPISODE 2: OPPOSITION IN A SPEEDBOAT

Picture it: Early morning. Sun bouncing off the Grenadines sea. Camera swoops low. And you see Dr. Friday and the NDP in a yellow speedboat slicing through the coast like they shooting the opening shot of a blockbuster franchise. People lining the jetty, waving flags. Fishermen clapping from their bow. Children running behind the drone. It looked like *Fast & Furious: Vincy Drift*. But behind the vibes was purpose: the people wanted change. And the sea already knew it.

🚁🌄 EPISODE 3: THE COMRADE TAKES TO THE SKIES

Cut to another scene: The Comrade himself, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, flying by helicopter over La Soufrière, gliding down the leeward coast like a statesman in his final chapter. Below him, villages painted in bright red, a whole coastline glowing like a sunrise. Love or challenge him, agree or disagree—one thing stood tall: The man is a political titan. A statesman. A Caribbean figure who shaped an era. And for a moment, the camera holds him alone in the sky—the last man standing in a generation of giants. That was cinema.

😂🎭 EPISODE 4: THE MEME WARS — A DIGITAL GOLDEN AGE

Every evening, when the rallies done? ON SOCIAL MEDIA = THE REAL SHOW START. Vincy creatives went mad: AI mascots dancing and warning, NDP Jack giving daily sermons, Labour Hag turning into a full folklore star, reggae remixes, skits from van backseats, comedy voice notes that spread faster than rain gossip, TikTok transitions so clean even Beyoncé would double-tap. It was the first election where Vincy folklore met AI technology… and honestly? We changed Caribbean digital culture that day.

🎤🎨 EPISODE 5: WHEN THE PEOPLE BECAME THE CAST

This is the essence of the story. Hundreds of Vincentians discovered their creative potential during this campaign: the barber turned into a cameraman, the taxi driver became a strategist, the auntie hosted livestreams, the youth quickly learned to edit, the schoolgirl composed campaign jingles, the domino player became a political analyst, the pan player scored documentaries, the drone operator flew until the battery was exhausted, and the village comedians uplifted the entire nation. SVG unearthed its own creative superpowers—together.

Artists in the Campaign: A Blend of Local and International Talent

Regarding that creative celebration, let's explore how music and performance energized the rallies. Both parties enlisted major artists—primarily from Jamaica and the broader Caribbean—to excite the crowds, which underscores the ongoing tension: foreign stars taking the spotlight while local talent strives for recognition. Here's a glimpse of artists associated with or performing for each side (based on circulating lists and rally buzz—some confirmed as performers, others as supporters):

| NDP Artists | ULP Artists

|----------------------|--------------------------|

| 1. Shenseea | 1. Popcaan

| 2. Aidonia | 2. Chronic Law

| 3. Malie Donny | 3. Masicka

| 4. Kranium | 4. Christopher Martin

| 5. Nadia Batson | 5. Moyann

| 6. V'ghn | 6. Dova

| 7. Lyrkal | 7. Dread lion

| 8. Ayetian | 8. Muddy

| 9. Erphaan Alves

| 10. Jver George

This costly lineup—featuring dancehall stars like Shenseea and Popcaan, and soca icons like Nadia Batson—certainly delivered energy.

Investment in Local Talent

While there were several local Vincentian acts and DJs included, it raises the question: why rely heavily on imports when Vincy artists could headline and grow their brands? With year-round investment, just 10% of what was spent on foreign stars could make a significant difference in promoting our own talent. Instead of merely opening the stage, we could be exporting hits globally.

But now the dust settles, speakers pack up, and flags fold... what next for this talent army? Back to scraping by on vibes and side hustles? Passion projects gasping on prayers alone? A system that courts creatives come campaign time but ghosts them post-victory Monday? Nah, we can’t afford that. If anything, this election lit up the billboard: SVG's got the raw talent, workforce, and creative blaze to ignite a booming Orange Economy. What's missing? Steady investment, solid infrastructure, and policies that stick. This convo transcends red vs. yellow—it's about building a future where creativity feeds families, not just fills timelines.

A Triumph of the Vincentian People

First off, props to we the people. This was democracy done right: peaceful, proud, no drama, no nonsense. In a world where elections turn into circus fires, SVG held it down like pros—showing the Caribbean how to transition with grace. No serious violence, just voices rising clear and confident. That's worth a national lime and some serious celebration.

Honoring Dr. Friday’s Years of Commitment

Love him or debate him, Dr. Godwin Friday's grind deserves a standing ovation. Decades of patience, persistence, election after election—pure endurance, like a fisherman waiting out the storm for that big catch. His NDP landslide (a crushing 14-1 sweep) isn't just a win; it's a vibe shift toward unity. Sworn in, he's pledging to serve all Vincentians, no favorites. In these tense times, that inclusive tone? Gold.

Thanking Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP for 25 Years of Service

Twenty-five years? That's no joke—Dr. Ralph Gonsalves reshaped SVG, thrust us onto global stages, forged alliances, guarded our sovereignty, and lived that "friend to many, enemy to none" mantra. Respect where it's due, full stop. Continuity in diplomacy, culture, and independence? Non-negotiable, no matter the party colors.

A Moment to Welcome New Leadership — With Open Eyes and Open Hearts

We're stepping into this era amid regional heat: USA-Venezuela tensions, big-power games, energy plays, military shifts snaking through the Caribbean. SVG's gotta stay sharp, sovereign, and steady—our creative dreams can't thrive in chaos. And let’s add a dash of Vincy humour: If foreign influences try to meddle, we’ll meme them out of town faster than a Laybah Hag hex. Unified leadership is key.

Foreign Influence: Shadows Behind the Scenes

This election also reminded us that even in small states, geopolitics walks softly but carries a long shadow. Foreign voices whisper. Foreign interests nudge. Foreign agendas look for openings. SVG might be small, but we are positioned like a hinge between regional powers—and people must stay alert. Over the past 25 years, which is why unified, transparent, people-centred leadership matters. No room for puppet strings in our Hairouna story.

Post-Election Reactions: The Vibes Continue

Three days post-victory (as of November 30, 2025), the energy hasn’t died down. Social media is buzzing with celebrations, from X posts hailing the “political earthquake” to calls for immediate action on jobs and youth opportunities. One local outlet captured it perfectly: “Dr. Friday puts an end to Gonsalves’ 24-year rule,” sparking debates on what’s next for SVG’s economy and culture. It’s a mix of relief, excitement, and that classic Vincy skepticism—“We watching yuh, eh?” Regional leaders like Jamaica's PM Andrew Holness congratulated Friday, emphasizing peaceful democracy, while some speculate on external influences or tampering. Even non-Vincentians are chiming in, linking it to broader Caribbean shifts.

🎬🌎 EPISODE 6: THE BIG QUESTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

With the NDP elected and Dr. Friday sworn in, we enter the next season: THE NEW ECONOMY. But creatives asking smart questions: 🎥 Where is the national film studio? Museum? 🎞️ Does the Performing Arts Centre include a real cinema? 🧑🏽‍🏫 When does SVGCC starting film courses? 🎨 Where are the grants? 📡 Where is the internet that could actually upload 4K? 💳 Where are the online payment gateways that treat we like a real country? Because listen—the election proved we ready. Now we need infrastructure to match the talent.

Where the Orange Economy Fits In

The NDP’s manifesto recognizes the creative industries as a pillar of national development, with promises drawing on broader economic strategies like attracting foreign capital for infrastructure and creating a national eco-tourism strategy that could tie into cultural exports. Building on that, imagine expanding to: a National Innovation Hub for tech-creatives; a National Film Board to fund local stories; e-commerce gateways for artists and designers; duty-free concessions for digital equipment; digital literacy and coding academies with AI focus; a Performing Arts Centre complete with cinema; a National AI & Digital Innovation Policy to protect and promote tools like those election mascots; upgraded creative programmes at the Community College, including film and animation.

These are powerful ideas—if implemented with seriousness and transparency. Because creative industries are NOT campaign décor. They are economic engines. And we must ask the hard questions: Will funding and opportunities be merit-based, or political? Who will run the Film Board—professionals or party loyalists? Will the Performing Arts Centre include a film studio and cinema? Will the Community College finally get real film courses, industry-grade equipment, and teaching staff with production experience? Will creators have access to finance without selling their soul or dignity? We must hold every government—red, yellow, or any colour—accountable.

👑 FINALE: TWO LEADERS, ONE NATION

We close this season with respect: Congratulations Dr. Godwin Friday and the New Democratic Party. This is your moment. The people chose you with purpose. And equally: Respect and gratitude to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves for 25 years of service and a lifetime shaping the modern Vincentian story. Two leaders. Two eras. One Hairouna.

✨ AND THE TRUE WINNER?

Not red. Not yellow. Not a party. The Vincentian spirit. Creative. Fearless. Funny. Faithful. Unbuyable. Legendary. While keeping it 100% Jiggy! In this election, God and the ancestors clearly decide to collaborate with the people and give us premium entertainment, Caribbean style. And you know what? Season 2—“Rebuilding Hairouna”—starts now. Roll camera. Lights up. SVG, this is our time.

The Path Forward: Peace, Vision, and Creative Independence

Right now, I'm feeling that rare mix: hope laced with street-smart realism. We toast the smooth handover, salute our people's talent, honor Gonsalves' legacy, embrace Friday's fresh start, watch geopolitics like hawks, and root in unity.

SVG must remain:

* A haven of peace.

* A zone of freedom.

* Where creativity blooms year-round, not just election-season fireworks.

* An economy letting talent thrive, feeding families from Ashton to Fancy.

The creative frontier? It's our lifeline. The world—and more crucially, we Vincentians—are eyes wide open, ready to demand delivery.

Hairouna forever.

Akley Olton