KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – In a historic political transition, Godwin Friday was formally inaugurated as the fifth Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines since the nation gained independence in 1979. The swearing-in ceremony, conducted by Governor General Dame Susan Dougan on Friday evening, marked the culmination of a decisive electoral victory that ended the 24-year governance of Ralph Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP).
Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) achieved an extraordinary 14-1 mandate in Thursday’s general election, preventing the ULP from securing an unprecedented sixth consecutive term. The 66-year-old leader, also a seasoned attorney, pledged to govern inclusively, emphasizing his commitment to serve “for all the people of this country.”
In his inaugural address, Prime Minister Friday outlined a vision centered on national unity and transformative development. “It is my duty to uplift living standards, moral values, hopes and expectations of our people,” he declared, emphasizing the need to transcend partisan politics. He stressed the importance of collective effort for national progress, noting that the country’s population of under 110,000 should be viewed as “precious, not small.”
The new Prime Minister acknowledged the significant challenges ahead, referencing policy plans presented during the campaign while remaining open to alternative solutions. He expressed particular commitment to addressing economic disparities, stating, “It does us no good as a people for some to be thriving while others are struggling.”
Friday paid tribute to his predecessor, Arnhim Eustace, who led the NDP from 2000 to 2016, recognizing his foundational contributions to the party. Governor General Dougan offered both congratulations and counsel, urging the new administration to foster an inclusive society and progressive agenda while navigating global turbulence.
The ceremony also honored former Prime Minister Gonsalves for his quarter-century of public service, with the Governor General noting the foundation established during his tenure. Gonsalves remains the sole ULP representative in the new Parliament.
Prime Minister Friday announced that his cabinet appointments would be revealed next week, with the administration immediately commencing work on implementing its campaign commitments under what he described as “a new dawn” for the nation.