Prime Minister Godwin Friday has selected Danielle Veira, a multifaceted media professional with diverse experience across multiple industries, to serve as his official Press Secretary. The appointment marks a significant addition to the administrative communications team following the New Democratic Party’s electoral victory on November 27.
Veira brings an extensive background that spans singing, songwriting, announcing, advertising creation, and real estate to her new role. Her longstanding affiliation with the ruling party includes hosting the NDP’s media programming and presiding over several party press conferences during the pre-election period. In the critical year leading to the party’s successful campaign, she collaborated closely with Lavern King, the NDP Public Relations Officer who has since been appointed to the Senate.
Expressing her gratitude for the appointment, Veira stated to iWitness News: “It is a great honour to be appointed by the Prime Minister as Press Secretary. I am fully committed to supporting the Government in carrying out its mandate to deliver for all Vincentians.” She further emphasized her dedication to the role, adding: “I look forward to serving in this role with energy and conviction, and to upholding the responsibilities of the office with clarity and commitment.”
The position of press secretary to the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been held by several notable figures throughout history. Glenn Jackson, a journalist, became the first appointee to this role shortly after Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves assumed office in March 2001. Jackson served until his tragic death on March 6, 2006.
His successor, Hans King—another journalist and former educator—held the position until February 1, 2019, when he resigned to assume leadership as general manager of National Properties Ltd., a state-owned enterprise. King was later confirmed permanently in this corporate role and reportedly resigned following the November general election.
The interim period saw Sehon Marshall appointed to the press secretary position on May 1, 2019. Marshall brought diplomatic experience from his previous role as counsellor at SVG’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and deputy consul general at the New York Consulate. Most recently, comedian and former radio announcer Shevrell McMillan served as press officer to Gonsalves until the Unity Labour Party’s electoral defeat.