Vincentians head to the polls today

The people of St Vincent and the Grenadines will be going to the polls today to elect a new government.



The election comes only weeks after several people were displaced by Hurricane Tomas and many properties and infrastructure damaged.



According to social commentator Jomo Thomas, this is probably the most important election since the multi-island nation of 110,000 people gained political independence from Britain in 1979.



The polls will be closely contested by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves' ruling Unity Labour Party which is seeking a third consecutive term in office and the main opposition New Development Party.



The small Green Party has nominated candidates in 13 of the 15 constituencies.



Just over 101,000 people are eligible to cast ballots in the election coming nearly four months before the constitutional deadline of March 2011.



Prime Minister Gonsalves is confident that his party will win the election based on its track record of performance since 2001.



However, the New Development Party buoyed by its success in the national referendum last year when it got voters to reject plans for a new constitution has said it's prepared to take back the government.



The party says Gonsalves’ "social-democratic" administration has ruined the economy, caused the private sector to shrink, and is too close to left wing countries like Venezuela, Libya, and Iran.