KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – In a seismic political shift that has reshaped the Caribbean’s political landscape, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has witnessed the dramatic fall of one of the region’s most enduring political dynasties. The New Democratic Party (NDP) achieved a near-total electoral landslide in Thursday’s general election, capturing 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats according to preliminary results.
The decisive victory marks the stunning conclusion to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ quarter-century tenure, preventing his Unity Labour Party (ULP) from securing an unprecedented sixth consecutive term. The 79-year-old leader, the Caribbean’s longest-serving prime minister, suffered a humiliating defeat that also claimed the political careers of his son and Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, along with Agriculture Minister Saboto Scofield Caesar – both previously considered potential successors.
Prime Minister-designate Dr. Godwin Friday, addressing the nation on state-owned NBC Radio, announced plans to declare a public holiday for national recuperation and celebration. The 66-year-old attorney, who comfortably retained his Northern Grenadines seat, emphasized national unity and immediate action. “The election is behind us now and I want to see this country come together,” Friday stated. “We put ourselves and our backs to the wheel and quickly work to build St. Vincent and the Grenadines for all of us.”
Friday outlined his intention to be sworn in promptly, noting he would contact the Governor General “bright and early” to arrange the ceremony and avoid any governance vacuum. When asked about communication with his predecessor, Friday revealed Gonsalves had not yet conceded or made contact, though he expected the outgoing leader would eventually “wish me well.”
The incoming prime minister characterized his new role as “an awesome responsibility” filled with public hope and expectation. He pledged to immediately implement the NDP’s campaign platform, including a detailed 60-day plan, while emphasizing servant leadership and collaborative governance. “I really look forward to serving the people of this country and try to make St. Vincent and the Grenadines better,” Friday affirmed.
Regional analysts attributed the political upset to a consistent 5% swing away from the ULP over recent elections. Former NDP chairman Dr. Linton Lewis noted the powerful appeal of the “time for a change” message after 25 years of continuous governance, while acknowledging the party had skillfully avoided contentious issues including the proposed shift from Taiwanese to Chinese relations and a controversial Citizenship by Investment program.
The transition has drawn international attention, with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness extending “warm congratulations” to the Vincentian people for their peaceful democratic process. Similar commendations came from St. Lucia’s Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who praised the “resounding democratic mandate” despite earlier allegations of foreign campaign interference during the heated election period.