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In a surprising turn of political speculation, Dr. Kishore Shallow, 40, President of Cricket West Indies, has made an impressive showing in a recent poll as a favored alternative to the longstanding Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Shallow, who has yet to formally enter politics, scored 19% in public favor as a potential prime ministerial candidate, trailing only slightly behind opposition leader Dr. Godwin Friday, who leads with 21%. This noteworthy result positions Shallow as a strong contender in the eyes of the Vincentian public, sparking discussions of his potential role in the country’s future leadership.

While Dr. Friday, 64, is seen as the leading alternative to the 78-year-old Gonsalves, Shallow’s close standing reflects a Vincentian desire for younger leadership. The poll, conducted by the Caribbean Institute for Governance and Policy Research (CIGPR), found that over 53% of respondents favored a new generation of leaders, indicating a shift away from the current establishment.

Meanwhile, within the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), heir-apparent Camillo Gonsalves, 52, showed lackluster results, garnering support from only 9.31% of respondents as a potential alternative to his father. By comparison, Agriculture Minister Sabato Caesar, 43, polled at 17%, nearly doubling Camillo’s numbers and potentially challenging his grip on the ULP’s leadership succession.

Political observers say Shallow’s appeal lies not only in his youth but in his fresh approach, resonating with Vincentians seeking change after over two decades of Gonsalves’ leadership. His high polling suggests he could make a strong candidate for the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) if he chooses to pursue a political career, with speculation already linking him to the North Leeward constituency.

This poll reveals Shallow as an emerging figure, one who could reshape the political landscape of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the near future. His leadership in the cricket world and fresh public favorability position him as a potential catalyst for change if he decides to join the race.