Prime Minister Godwin Friday has characterized his New Democratic Party (NDP) administration’s initial 100 days in office as “a wonderful experience,” citing significant progress on campaign promises and policy implementation. The NDP’s landslide victory on November 27, which ended the Unity Labour Party’s 25-year reign with a decisive 14-1 parliamentary majority, has ushered in a new era of governance for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In a recent appearance on Hot 97 FM alongside cabinet colleagues, Friday expressed satisfaction with his government’s ability to deliver on key pledges within the promised timeframe. “We said within 60 days we will do certain things to ease the cost-of-living crisis on the people in this country, and we did so,” the Prime Minister stated, emphasizing ongoing efforts to identify additional measures for public benefit.
The administration has implemented several cornerstone policies, including the reinstatement of public sector workers terminated under the previous government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Friday described this as honoring both campaign commitments and principled positions, noting his government is “not mincing words with reinstating” and working with unions to ensure a smooth transition for affected individuals who “have been through hell.”
Economic measures have featured prominently in the government’s early actions. The December 19 VAT-free shopping day, which Friday characterized as “a serious measure to put money back in people’s pockets” rather than a gimmick, provided both consumer relief and business stimulation. The administration has also distributed approximately EC$22 million in tax-free bonuses to approximately 12,000 public servants, pensioners, and daily-paid workers as promised during election campaigning.
Looking forward, the government plans to reduce Value Added Tax from 16% to 13% later this year, a move Friday described as strategic rather than delayed, requiring proper implementation planning. Additionally, public assistance payments will increase to EC$500 monthly beginning in March, exceeding the EC$360 proposed by the previous administration.
Despite inheriting what some describe as a challenging fiscal situation with public debt at EC$3.5 billion (110.3% of GDP), Friday maintains a forward-looking perspective. His EC$1.9 billion budget presentation in February introduced no new taxes, focusing instead on efficient collection of existing revenues and creating economic opportunities through private sector development and foreign investment.