标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In a dramatic political upheaval, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has elected Godwin Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) to power, ending the 24-year rule of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP). The NDP secured a commanding victory, capturing 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats in Thursday’s general election.

Prime Minister-designate Friday, 66, will become the nation’s seventh head of government after his party achieved the largest electoral victory since 1989. The outcome marks a significant rejection of the ULP’s bid for an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in office.

The election results have reduced former Prime Minister Gonsalves, CARICOM’s longest-serving head of government, to the solitary opposition lawmaker in Parliament. This represents a remarkable fall for the 79-year-old leader whose party had dominated Vincentian politics for nearly a quarter-century.

Celebrations erupted across the nation as preliminary results circulated, with the largest gathering occurring outside NDP headquarters on Murray’s Road in Kingstown. Supporters engaged in raucous victory celebrations featuring amplified music, street dancing, horn-blowing, and fireworks throughout Thursday night.

Among the notable victories were Laverne Gibson-Velox, who defeated Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves in East St. George, and Shevern John, who secured North Windward. Their elections mark the first time women have entered Parliament since 2001, breaking a significant gender barrier in Vincentian politics.

The defeat raises profound questions about the ULP’s future, particularly after the losses of both the finance minister and Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar, who had been identified as potential future leaders of the party.

Friday, speaking via state media shortly after midnight, struck a conciliatory tone, emphasizing national unity and immediate action on campaign promises. “The election is behind us now,” he stated, “and I want to see this country come together and we put ourselves and our backs to the wheel and quickly work to build St. Vincent and the Grenadines for all of us.”

The prime minister-designate announced plans for a public holiday on Friday to allow citizens to recuperate from the extended campaign period while celebrating the democratic process. He is expected to be sworn in during the afternoon alongside key members of his administration.

Regional leaders quickly extended congratulations, with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness praising the “peaceful and democratic process” and St. Lucia’s Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet noting the victory as “a testament to your perseverance, your integrity and the trust the people have placed in your leadership.”

Political analysts noted an average 5% swing away from the ULP, continuing a trend of dwindling support observed over recent elections. The outcome provides substantial material for regional political analysis given the decisive nature of the victory and the end of one of the Caribbean’s most enduring political eras.

As citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines participated in national elections this Thursday, the small island community of Bequia in the Northern Grenadines found itself at the center of a potential historic political achievement. Local residents expressed collective hope that their constituency could become the nation’s first to produce two individuals who have held the office of Prime Minister.

The electoral process unfolded across the multi-island nation, with voters casting ballots to determine the composition of their next government. This democratic exercise carries particular significance for Bequia, which takes pride in its political heritage. The island previously produced Sir James Mitchell, who served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 2000, establishing a remarkable legacy of leadership.

Political analysts note that while smaller island communities in archipelagic nations often have limited representation in national governance, Bequia has consistently demonstrated outsized political influence within the Vincentian context. The possibility of producing a second prime minister represents not just local pride but a significant moment in the nation’s political narrative, potentially shifting perceptions about political power distribution across the archipelago.

The election occurs amid broader regional discussions about governance models in small island developing states, where personal connections and community representation often play crucial roles in political dynamics. Bequia’s unique position highlights how specific geographic communities can maintain sustained political influence within Caribbean democracies, challenging conventional assumptions about political geography in multi-island nations.

A senior police officer with 26 years of service in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has been charged with assaulting a constable during a campaign rally for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Owia. Acting Corporal Kenroy Martin, who is reportedly close to the NDP’s West St. George candidate, Cashaka Cupid, was placed on no-pay leave immediately after the incident, despite regulations requiring half-pay leave for officers facing criminal charges. Martin, represented by NDP candidate Israel Bruce, was granted EC$1,500 station bail and is set to appear in court. The incident occurred on Saturday when Martin, off-duty and a passenger in a vehicle delivering medical personnel and food to the rally, allegedly took over driving after the original driver became unnerved by the constable’s actions. The constable reportedly refused entry to the rally site, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the alleged assault. This incident follows a prior altercation in Sandy Bay, where the constable allegedly disobeyed Martin’s traffic instructions. Martin’s recent transfers within the police force have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the charge.

As the election season unfolds, the palpable tension and emotion across the nation symbolize a collective yearning for fairness, compassion, and meaningful transformation. From longtime friends to new acquaintances and coworkers, the recurring sentiment is clear: ‘We want change.’ This desire is not born out of bitterness or blind political allegiance but from a profound fatigue and a longing for leadership that listens, evolves, and remains accountable to the people.

In a heated political climate ahead of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ general election, Kishore Shallow, the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for North Leeward, has made startling allegations against Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves. Shallow claims that Gonsalves attempted to resign from his ministerial role twice since late 2024, only to remain in office after his father, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, promised him the premiership. These accusations were made during a rally in Campden Park, where Shallow also criticized the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) for what he termed ‘recklessness’ and disconnection from the public. Shallow, a first-time candidate, further alleged that he possesses incriminating files on ULP members, including details of a lucrative contract awarded to the Prime Minister’s brother-in-law. The Finance Minister’s alleged resignation attempts reportedly occurred in October 2024 and January 2025, with Shallow suggesting Gonsalves had plans to leave the country for a high-paying job abroad. Prime Minister Gonsalves, in response, dismissed Shallow’s claims and labeled him a ‘puny jackass,’ accusing him of mudslinging and attacking the wife of North Leeward incumbent Carlos James. The election campaign has been marked by intense rhetoric, with both parties making their final appeals to voters. The ULP, in power since 2001, has emphasized its stability, while the NDP has positioned itself as a fresh alternative to what it calls a ‘power-hungry’ and ‘money-grabbing’ administration.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines made an impassioned plea to former supporters of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) to rejoin the party, even as he criticized some for being ungrateful. Speaking at the ULP’s “Come Home to Labour” rally in Arnos Vale, the 79-year-old leader, who is vying for a sixth consecutive five-year term, acknowledged the pain felt by some supporters but urged them to return to the “Labour family.” Gonsalves promised that under his leadership, the country would achieve “first-world status” within 15 years, ensuring unprecedented prosperity for future generations. He highlighted the ULP’s achievements since taking office in 2001, including reducing indigence from 26% to 4% of the population. Gonsalves emphasized the need for unity in challenging times, warning against the risks of supporting the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), which he described as having “bad-minded and wicked” leaders. He called on voters to turn out in force to secure a decisive victory for the ULP, framing the election as a critical moment for the nation’s future.

In a passionate address to supporters at a rally in Campden Park, Opposition Leader Godwin Friday emphasized the pivotal role of voters in the upcoming general election. Speaking on Tuesday, Friday, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), declared that the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the true decision-makers, urging them to assert their authority by casting their ballots on Thursday. He framed the election as a critical opportunity to end the long-standing dominance of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), which has governed for nearly 25 years. Friday, who has served as a Member of Parliament and party leader, described his political journey as “the greatest honour of my life,” expressing deep gratitude for the love and respect he has received from citizens across the nation. He also addressed accusations from the ULP regarding his and fellow candidate Fitz Brmable’s Canadian citizenship, dismissing them as scare tactics. Friday pledged his unwavering commitment to the country, vowing to continue serving the people if re-elected. He outlined the NDP’s vision for the future, emphasizing plans to tackle crime, reduce unemployment, and improve healthcare and education systems. Friday criticized the ULP for failing to deliver on its promises, particularly in addressing crime and economic challenges. He called for a government that listens to the people and works collaboratively to build a better future. The NDP leader concluded by urging voters to reject the status quo and embrace change, asserting that the NDP is ready to govern effectively from day one.

The 2025 general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been marked by unprecedented tactics and contradictions, particularly from the Unity Labour Party (ULP) led by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Despite the ULP’s reputation for intellectual prowess, their campaign has been characterized by fear-mongering and anti-democratic strategies, a stark departure from their usual approach. In his final rally, Dr. Gonsalves resorted to pleading on his knees, a dramatic shift from his earlier confidence that losing was impossible. This campaign has exposed significant contradictions within the ULP’s rhetoric and actions. For instance, Dr. Gonsalves previously mocked the New Democratic Party (NDP) for filing election petitions in 2015, stating that elections are won on the day, not in court. Yet, the ULP is now threatening election petitions to retain power, undermining their claim to democratic principles. Additionally, Dr. Gonsalves has criticized dual citizenship while his own family members hold multiple passports, and he has distributed misleading placards about passport ownership. The ULP’s stance on the sale of passports is equally contradictory. While they oppose such policies in St. Vincent, Dr. Gonsalves has publicly supported similar initiatives in other Caribbean nations, such as Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which funds major infrastructure projects without burdening taxpayers. This hypocrisy raises questions about the ULP’s consistency and integrity. Furthermore, the ULP has misled the public about land sales, claiming the NDP would sell out the country’s lands while the ULP itself has sold prime land to foreign investors. The neglect of the Grenadine islands, a unique asset for tourism, further highlights the ULP’s failure to prioritize national development. The campaign has also seen regional politicians like Tevin Andrews endorsing ULP candidates while advocating different policies in their own countries. As the election approaches, it is clear that the ULP’s campaign is riddled with contradictions and questionable tactics, leaving voters to question the party’s credibility and commitment to democratic principles.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) stands at a pivotal moment in its history, poised to break free from decades of political stagnation and economic mismanagement. After nearly 25 years under a government marred by corruption and self-enrichment, the nation is awakening to the possibility of a brighter future. The Vincentian people, particularly the critical thinkers and long-silent masses, are now asking: What kind of nation do we want to become? The answer may lie in the example set by Taiwan, a small nation that transformed itself into a global powerhouse through inclusive institutions, transparent governance, and technological innovation. SVG, rich in natural resources and a resilient agrarian culture, has the potential to emulate Taiwan’s success. By adopting integrity legislation, fostering meritocracy, and investing in education and technology, SVG could become the agricultural innovation hub of the Caribbean within 5 to 10 years. The upcoming election on November 28, 2025, represents a critical juncture for the nation. It is not merely about changing leadership but about ushering in an era of governance that prioritizes national interest over partisan survival. SVG’s transformation must also include a cultural renaissance, recognizing the contributions of its artists, farmers, and diaspora, and addressing the long-overdue recognition of its national heroes, particularly women. By thinking in decades rather than election cycles, SVG can craft a long-term vision for its future, ensuring that it becomes a model of success for small nations worldwide. The choice before SVG is clear: to rise from the ashes of mismanagement and claim a future defined by discipline, integrity, and progress.