In a ceremonial transition of power, newly elected Prime Minister Godwin Friday received a warm reception from civil servants upon his arrival at the Administrative Complex in Kingstown on Monday. The historic moment marked his inaugural day at the Office of the Prime Minister following his party’s decisive electoral victory.
Cabinet Secretary Kattian Barnwell-Scott and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sandy Peters-Phillips were among the senior officials present to greet the incoming administration. Friday addressed the assembled crowd—comprising media representatives and supporters of his New Democratic Party (NDP)—with a blend of enthusiasm and measured apprehension regarding the magnitude of his new responsibilities.
“This building represents my first day on the job!” Friday announced to the gathering. “While I approach this role with some trepidation given its immense scope, I am confident that the dedicated staff will enhance my effectiveness from day one. We stand united in our commitment to serve the people.”
The Prime Minister, who simultaneously secured his sixth parliamentary term representing Northern Grenadines, emphasized the dawn of a new political era for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. His swearing-in ceremony occurred last Friday, merely one day after the NDP’s landslide 14-1 electoral triumph that left former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves as the sole Unity Labour Party (ULP) representative retaining parliamentary presence.
Friday articulated an ambitious governance agenda during his media engagement, pledging immediate action on campaign commitments. These include reducing Value Added Tax from 16% to 13%, implementing bonus salary payments, elevating Public Assistance to EC$500 monthly, and reinstating public sector workers terminated under previous COVID-19 vaccine mandates—all within a 60-day implementation framework.
The Prime Minister assured public servants of job security, describing them as “the backbone of any administration” while encouraging autonomous decision-making within their mandates. He revealed that Cabinet ministers would receive their official directives during Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony, with permanent secretaries providing crucial operational support across ministries.
Friday concluded with a forward-looking statement: “We require collective effort now more than ever. With the public’s overwhelming mandate, my sole preoccupation remains delivering tangible results for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines without unnecessary delay.”