标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders convened an urgent meeting early Saturday following a dramatic U.S. military incursion into Venezuelan territory that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The regional body expressed profound concern over developments that could potentially destabilize neighboring nations.

In an official communiqué, the 15-member bloc stated it was ‘actively monitoring the situation which is of grave concern to the Region with possible implications for neighbouring countries.’ CARICOM pledged to provide continuous updates as information emerges regarding the unprecedented intervention.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar swiftly clarified her nation’s non-involvement in the military operations. ‘Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations,’ she emphasized in a social media statement, reaffirming her country’s commitment to ‘maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.’

The Prime Minister’s stance appears at odds with CARICOM’s collective vision of maintaining the region as a ‘Zone of Peace,’ particularly given her previous support for U.S. anti-narcotics initiatives in the area.

Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency in response to what they termed ‘extremely serious military aggression’ by the United States. Residents of Caracas reported multiple explosions and aircraft activity over the capital.

The Venezuelan government issued a strong condemnation: ‘Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America.’

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the capture of Maduro and his wife in a ‘large scale’ military strike, announcing they had been successfully extracted from Venezuelan territory.

In a landmark political shift, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has witnessed the election of its first female parliamentarians in two decades. Laverne Gibson-Velox and Shevern John of the New Democratic Party (NDP) secured decisive victories in the November 27, 2025 general election, representing East St. George and North Windward constituencies respectively.

Their triumph ended a prolonged drought for women in parliamentary representation that persisted since 2001, when Unity Labour Party’s Rene Baptiste last held office. Baptiste herself noted on election night that she had been the last woman elected to Parliament prior to these breakthroughs.

The path to victory was particularly significant for Gibson-Velox, who unseated Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves—a prominent ULP figure considered heir apparent to party leadership. In an exclusive interview, Gibson-Velox revealed her strategic approach: ‘I studied what he didn’t do and implemented exactly what the people wanted. He maintained no relationship with constituents—I made myself accessible, sat on their steps, played dominoes, and demonstrated genuine connection.’

Meanwhile, John’s victory came after significant personal sacrifice, having left a teaching career that would have provided substantially higher compensation than her previous senatorial role. ‘Service to humanity is the best work of life, not salary,’ she affirmed outside Parliament.

The electoral landscape had been particularly challenging for female candidates since 2001, with twenty-one women failing in their parliamentary bids across multiple parties over this period. The NDP’s overwhelming victory, securing 14 of 15 parliamentary seats, created the conditions for this historic gender representation breakthrough.

Both women have assumed their legislative responsibilities with distinct perspectives. Gibson-Velox was appointed Minister of the Family and Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities, and Labour—a portfolio aligning with her breakthrough achievement. John emphasized the solemn responsibility of representation, urging colleagues: ‘Remember the people who saw hope in you. Don’t become too busy for those who entrusted us with this mandate.’

Their elections mark a potential turning point in Vincentian politics, challenging longstanding barriers and establishing new paradigms for women’s political participation in the Caribbean nation.

In a significant administrative development for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, retired public servant Laura Anthony-Browne has expressed both honor and surprise at her appointment as chair of the dual Public Service Commission and Police Service Commission. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Government House in Old Montrose on December 31, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for the nation’s governance framework.

Anthony-Browne, formerly director of planning, was inaugurated alongside commissioners Ingrid Fitzpatrick, Adrian Fraser, Allanson Cruickshank, Shirlan M. ‘Zita’ Barnwell, and Ronald Christopher. In her first public remarks to NBC Radio, she acknowledged the unexpected nature of her appointment while emphasizing the profound responsibility it entails. ‘The public service serves as a crucial instrument in national governance,’ she stated, pledging to instill principles of ‘equity, justice, and fairness’ throughout both commissions’ operations.

Governor General Dame Susan Dougan, celebrating her 50th year in public service, underscored the constitutional significance of these commissions. She highlighted their role in upholding integrity and professionalism within the public sector, particularly through their advisory capacity to the Governor General on senior appointments—including legal officers, department heads, and permanent secretaries. Dame Susan stressed the necessity of impartiality in exercising powers of appointment, promotion, discipline, and dismissal of public officers.

Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock, overseeing public service matters, reflected on the historical importance of a nonpartisan civil service. He noted ongoing challenges in defining the boundaries between civil and public service, while expressing confidence that the new commission would restore authoritative governance practices. Leacock referenced discussions with Chief Personnel Officer Arlene Regisford-Sam, who emphasized that effective public administration remains fundamental to national prosperity and meritocracy.

The newly formed commissions now face the dual challenge of implementing ethical reforms while maintaining continuity in governance. Anthony-Browne’s commitment to ensuring public servants feel valued and appropriately rewarded signals a renewed focus on workforce morale alongside structural accountability.

Dame Susan Dougan, the pioneering Governor General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has officially declared her intention to conclude her distinguished public service career on January 5, 2026. The announcement came during a ceremonial event at Government House in Old Montrose on Old Year’s Day, where she presided over the swearing-in of members to both the Public Service Commission and Police Service Commission.

Addressing attendees, Dame Susan revealed her planned departure: “I am also pleased to say that I demit office on the 5th of January, so it is indeed a pleasure to swear you in before I leave.” The 70-year-old public servant, who will turn 71 on March 3, initially contemplated retirement in September 2025 to mark her golden anniversary in public service. However, she opted to extend her tenure until year’s end considering the November 27 general elections.

Her remarkable journey began in 1975 when she first entered public service. Dame Susan made history on August 1, 2019, when she was sworn in as the nation’s first female Governor General, following her previous role as deputy governor general since December 2014.

In a post-ceremony interview with NBC Radio, Dame Susan reflected on her career philosophy: “I enjoy what I did over the years. I love children, and I will continue to work with them under the foundation under my name. Whatever you have to do, you have to do it with passion, with love, and that caring for people.” This ethos, she noted, guided her throughout her public life and influenced those she mentored.

Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock acknowledged Dame Susan’s “tremendous and valuable service to our peoples” during the ceremony. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to maintaining clear distinctions between state and government functions moving forward.

Looking toward her post-retirement plans, Dame Susan expressed her commitment to continue working with youth through her foundation. She issued a call to action for greater civic engagement: “I would like to see people join organizations, get involved in community work, try as far as possible to educate the young ones by being mentors for them and help them to become who they really are.”

Her departure in 2026 will mark the conclusion of an extraordinary half-century of dedicated public service that broke gender barriers and established new standards of leadership in Vincentian governance.

In a remarkable political reversal, former New Democratic Party (NDP) chairman Linton Lewis shifted from harsh criticism to enthusiastic praise as the party secured a decisive 14-1 victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ November 27 general election. Lewis, who had publicly endorsed the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) just days before the election, now celebrates the very party he previously condemned for internal divisions.

The lawyer and four-time unsuccessful parliamentary candidate had told St. Vincent Times in a November 23 interview that the NDP suffered from excessive bitterness and lack of unity. His critical remarks were subsequently incorporated into the ULP’s social media campaign seeking an unprecedented sixth consecutive term.

Lewis served as NDP chairman until 2016 and as a party senator from 2012 to 2015. Despite his previous fallout with the party, he acknowledged Prime Minister-elect Godwin Friday’s ‘very strong mandate’ and expressed optimism about the NDP’s ability to govern effectively.

Reflecting on the transition from opposition to government, Lewis highlighted the challenges ahead: ‘The greatest challenge, especially coming on the heels of having been in opposition for so long, is introducing a concept of meritocracy.’ He specifically praised the working relationship between Friday and newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock, noting their extensive history of collaboration within the party.

Lewis also addressed his previous concerns about internal party bitterness, suggesting that the overwhelming electoral mandate would facilitate unity: ‘When you have a mandate as strong as that, it augurs well for unity and a very quick unity.’ He expressed particular interest in how ministerial portfolios would be assigned and anticipated the new government would successfully implement its platform.

Prime Minister Godwin Friday has declared that constructing a new Parliament building in Beachmont, Kingstown—a project initiated by the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) government—is not a priority for his administration. Instead, the New Democratic Party (NDP) government will focus its resources on completing the US$78 million hospital currently under construction in Arnos Vale.

Speaking on Hot 97 FM, Friday confirmed that the national assembly will continue to convene at the Temporary Parliament Building in Glen for the foreseeable future. This stance reaffirms the position he established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the then-government secured a US$20 million loan for the parliamentary complex.

Friday, who led the NDP to a decisive 14-1 electoral victory on November 27, reiterated his long-held view that given the country’s financial constraints, a new Parliament building should not be the primary focus—especially when the proposal emerged during a global health crisis. He emphasized his philosophy of directing funds where they are most needed, stating, “put the money where the pain is,” particularly when citizens were experiencing significant hardship.

The historical Parliament building in Kingstown, which has served for two centuries, last hosted a session on June 1, 2023. The aging structure, located across from Market Square, requires extensive repairs. Notably, the High Court continued operating on the ground floor through July 2024 despite issues with mold and woodlice infestation.

As both Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Friday expressed that a comfortable chair suffices for conducting government business until improved fiscal conditions allow for such infrastructure projects. His administration will also advance plans for a national health insurance system, having already discussed implementation with the National Insurance Services CEO. Friday argued that accessible healthcare is fundamental, stating that without such a system, it effectively tells citizens they’re on their own when illness strikes.