In a historic political shift for the Caribbean nation, St Vincent and the Grenadines has elected its first new prime minister in over two decades. The ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), led by veteran leader Ralph Gonsalves, suffered a decisive defeat in Thursday’s general election, ending his remarkable 23-year tenure.
The opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), under the leadership of Dr. Goodwin Friday, achieved a commanding parliamentary majority by securing at least 11 of the nation’s 15 parliamentary constituencies according to reports from the St Vincent Times. This outcome represents a dramatic reversal from the 2020 election when the ULP maintained control despite losing the popular vote.
Gonsalves, aged 79, ranked among the world’s longest-serving democratically elected leaders since assuming office in 2001. His defeat concludes one of the most enduring political administrations in Caribbean history and marks a significant generational transition in Vincentian politics.
The incoming administration, led by Dr. Friday as the nation’s seventh prime minister since gaining independence in 1979, has proposed substantial policy changes. These include establishing a citizenship-by-investment program to boost national revenue and reconsidering diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of strengthening ties with mainland China—a significant departure from the ULP’s longstanding positions.
National attention now turns to how the NDP administration will address the country’s economic and social challenges while implementing its proposed policy initiatives in this new political era.