St. Vincent and the Grenadines witnessed a historic political transition on November 28, 2025, as Dr. Godwin Friday took the oath of office to become the nation’s fifth Prime Minister. The ceremony marked the culmination of a dramatic electoral shift that ended the 25-year governance of the Unity Labour Party (ULP).
Addressing the nation after his swearing-in, Dr. Friday expressed profound humility at assuming leadership, declaring his intention to govern as “a Prime Minister for all the people of this country.” The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader outlined his vision for national unity, emphasizing the need for citizens to embrace their shared identity as Vincentians while pooling resources and intellect for collective advancement.
The transition follows the NDP’s unprecedented electoral triumph on November 27, where the party secured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats—a result Dr. Friday characterized as a decisive mandate for “major, transformational changes.” The Prime Minister-elect pledged to dedicate “every sinew in our body” to fulfilling campaign commitments, with particular focus on elevating living standards, reinforcing moral values, and restoring national hope. While his cabinet appointments will be finalized next week, Dr. Friday immediately encouraged community-level participation, assuring citizens that “brighter days ahead” await the nation.
Concurrently, former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed he would assume the role of Opposition Leader after his party’s devastating electoral performance. The ULP veteran, who maintained his own seat but witnessed his party’s collapse, asserted that “Labour is strong and alive” despite the setback. Dr. Gonsalves announced plans to convene with ULP leadership to select two senators who will join him on the opposition benches.
Notably absent from the political transition was any public congratulatory message from the outgoing Prime Minister to the victorious NDP—a silence that underscored the profound shift in the nation’s political landscape after a quarter-century of continuous ULP governance.