The United Kingdom and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship with the inauguration of the newly modernized Kingstown Port. British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Mustard, expressed his pride in the UK’s support for this transformative project, which symbolizes the strength of their partnership rooted in mutual respect. The port’s modernization, funded with over US$35 million in grants from the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), represents a total investment exceeding US$250 million, making it the second-largest infrastructure project in SVG’s history and the most substantial UK-funded initiative in the Eastern Caribbean. The project is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, enhance trade, and bolster the nation’s resilience to climate change. Already, the port has generated over 400 construction jobs, injected US$37 million into the local economy, and facilitated over US$50 million in exports to the UK in 2024. Additionally, the port’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a new mobile scanner, have enhanced border security. Beyond infrastructure, the UK-SVG partnership spans health, energy, environment, culture, security, and trade. Notable initiatives include the SMART hospital project, solar panel installations, and support for creative industries and heritage preservation. The UK remains a staunch advocate for small island developing states, championing their unique vulnerabilities in international forums. As multilateralism faces challenges, the UK and SVG are committed to defending an inclusive, rules-based international system and fostering a future grounded in resilience, equity, and shared prosperity. High Commissioner Mustard emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly in the face of global fragmentation, and expressed optimism for continued collaboration.
A new gateway to growth: Celebrating Kingstown Port and the power of partnership
