The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has launched a ten-member Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to monitor the General Elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, set for November 27, 2025. The mission was initiated following an official invitation from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on October 2, 2025. The CEOM will be stationed in the country from November 20 to 29, 2025, to oversee the electoral process. The team includes senior electoral officials from seven CARICOM Member States and three administrative staff from the CARICOM Secretariat, ensuring comprehensive support. Leading the mission is Mr. Sase R. Gunraj, Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission. Other notable members include Mr. Clovis St. Romain from Antigua and Barbuda, His Honour Arthur Eugene Holder from Barbados, and Ms. Anthea Joseph from Dominica, among others. The CARICOM Secretariat staff, including Ms. Shae-Alicia Lewis and Mr. Irvin Brown, will provide logistical and administrative assistance. The Core Group, led by Mr. Gunraj, arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on November 20, with the remaining members expected by November 23. Since their arrival, the CEOM has engaged with key political figures, including the Honourable Daniel Cummings of the New Democratic Party and Dr. Doris Frederick of the National Liberation Movement. They have also met with representatives from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union, the Voice of the Disabled, and local media. In the coming days, the mission is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Supervisor of Elections Ms. Dora James, and Commissioner of Police Mr. Enville Williams. These interactions aim to provide the CEOM with a clear understanding of the pre-election environment and the level of preparedness for the elections. On Election Day, the CEOM will observe all aspects of the electoral process, from the opening of polling stations to the counting of votes and the declaration of results. Following the elections, the CEOM will issue a Preliminary Statement on November 29, summarizing their initial observations. A comprehensive Final Report will be prepared and submitted to CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, with findings and recommendations made public. The CEOM expressed gratitude for the warm reception and cooperation received and extended best wishes to the electorate as they prepare to cast their votes.
Antigua’s Clovis St. Romain Named to CARICOM Observer Mission for St. Vincent Polls
