标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has proposed a $36.5 million buyback of lands under the Canouan lease agreement, signaling a shift in the government’s stance on the controversial 99-year lease. The lease, initially signed in 1990 by the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration, granted developers control over two-thirds of the 1,200-acre island, including the right to sell the land as freehold. Gonsalves, who criticized the lease before taking office in 2001, has since maintained a cordial relationship with the investors, even leasing additional lands. However, recent concerns over limited revenue and stalled development have prompted the government to reconsider its approach. In an October 24 letter to investor Andrea Pignataro, Gonsalves outlined the government’s offer to purchase the remaining leasehold land, emphasizing the need to resolve the matter equitably for the benefit of Canouan residents and the nation. The prime minister also highlighted the lack of progress since 2017, attributing delays to external factors like COVID-19, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes. Despite these challenges, Gonsalves expressed frustration over the developers’ inaction and reiterated his commitment to amicable discussions. The valuation, conducted by an international property consultancy, excludes freehold properties such as the Mandarin Oriental Resort. Pignataro’s legal representative, Lord Goldsmith, has contested aspects of the government’s claims, prompting a proposed Zoom meeting on November 7. Gonsalves remains open to constructive dialogue but insists on swift resolution.

Keisal Peters, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for West Kingstown, has strongly refuted Opposition Leader Godwin Friday’s assertion that a New Democratic Party (NDP) administration would prioritize people over projects. Speaking at a ULP rally in Richmond Hill, Kingstown, Peters emphasized that every initiative undertaken by the ULP is fundamentally about the people. She cited numerous projects, including housing developments, the BERRY Project, fisheries expansion, the Rabacca Bridge, the Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre, the Acute Referral Hospital, and the Argyle International Airport, as evidence of the ULP’s commitment to the populace. Peters, a first-time candidate, is vying to unseat NDP Chairman Daniel Cummings, who has held the West Kingstown seat since 2010. In the 2020 elections, Cummings secured his third consecutive term, while the ULP achieved a historic fifth consecutive term, winning nine of the 15 seats despite losing the popular vote for the first time since 1998. Peters criticized the NDP’s lack of vision, particularly their opposition to the Argyle International Airport, which she described as a transformative project for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She also highlighted her achievements, including the completion of the Edinboro road and the rehabilitation of the Edinboro Hard Court, which she funded during her tenure as foreign minister. Peters underscored the ULP’s dedication to youth empowerment, contrasting it with the NDP’s alleged reluctance to embrace young talent. She urged voters to support the ULP in the upcoming general election, emphasizing the importance of youth participation and the dangers of silencing their voices.

In the aftermath of the 2020 elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) claimed victory in the popular vote on the mainland. However, this assertion has sparked significant controversy, as the New Democratic Party (NDP) secured 32,900 votes, marking their first popular vote win since 1998. Gonsalves’ analysis has been criticized for disregarding the votes of Grenadine residents, effectively marginalizing their political voice. This approach raises questions about the inclusivity of the electoral process in SVG, a multi-island nation where all citizens, regardless of their island of residence, should hold equal political weight. Gonsalves’ rhetoric, which emphasizes the mainland’s majority while sidelining the Grenadines, has been likened to absurd hypotheticals, such as the NDP claiming victory by excluding certain constituencies. The Prime Minister’s stance contradicts his earlier campaign messaging, which lauded the citizen as the highest office in the land. This inconsistency has led to concerns about the political representation of Grenadine residents, who have historically supported the NDP. The situation worsened in July 2024, when Hurricane Beryl devastated the Grenadines. Instead of prioritizing relief efforts, the ULP was accused of exploiting the disaster for political gain. Gonsalves’ remarks at the opening of the Union Island Ferry Terminal, where he framed appliance distribution as a means to sway voter allegiance, further highlighted the transactional nature of the relationship between the government and Grenadine residents. Chevonne Stewart’s assertion that proper representation for the Southern Grenadines hinges on a cabinet seat underscores the systemic neglect faced by the region. Historical data reveals that the NDP has consistently won the Grenadine vote since 1979, with the 2020 margin being the largest in ULP’s history. This trend reflects decades of neglect by the ULP, which has failed to secure a single Grenadine seat since its inception in 1994. The upcoming 2025 election cycle presents an opportunity to address these disparities and ensure equitable representation for all Vincentians.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has expressed his desire for a seamless leadership transition within the Unity Labour Party (ULP), aiming to avoid the internal divisions that marred the party’s only previous leadership change in its 31-year history. Speaking on Boom FM, the 79-year-old leader, who has been promising a transition for 15 years, declined to name a preferred successor, emphasizing the importance of unity within the party.

As St. Vincent and the Grenadines approaches its general elections on November 27, the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM) has reported no significant incidents of political violence. However, minor acts of vandalism, particularly targeting campaign billboards, have been noted. The NMCM, tasked with overseeing the electoral process and monitoring the conduct of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), confirmed that no formal complaints of election-related violence have been lodged. NMCM Coordinator Godfrey E. Samuel stated that while social media has circulated allegations, no direct reports have been received. Augustine Ferdinand, representing the ULP, disclosed that several of their campaign billboards were defaced or destroyed, including one in Bequia that was set ablaze and another in Montrose that was torn down. The police are investigating these incidents. Meanwhile, Daniel Cummings, chairman of the NDP, emphasized that his party has not encountered direct violence but acknowledged a social media claim of a woman allegedly injured due to her political affiliation. Both parties recently signed the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council NMCM Code of Ethical Political Conduct for the 2025 General Election, pledging to avoid defacing public property and respecting private property rights. Cummings praised the parties for using removable campaign materials, a significant improvement from past elections. The RSVG Police Force has urged citizens to maintain peace and tolerance, promising swift and impartial investigations into any reported threats or violence.

In a landmark move to ensure the integrity of the democratic process, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has introduced a comprehensive Code of Ethical Political Conduct ahead of the 2025 General Election. The initiative, spearheaded by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council and the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM), aims to foster a fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral environment. The Code, endorsed by key political leaders including Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves and Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday, underscores the nation’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, human rights, and social justice. The document emphasizes the importance of maintaining moral integrity, promoting tolerance, and ensuring the secrecy of the ballot. It also addresses the need for candidates to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, refrain from using state resources for political gain, and discourage any form of violence or intimidation. The Code further mandates equal access to media and public venues for all political parties, ensuring a level playing field. The Christian Council and NMCM will monitor adherence to the Code, with the public encouraged to report any breaches. This initiative reflects the nation’s dedication to preserving the dignity of its democratic institutions and fostering a culture of respect and accountability in political discourse.

In a significant move towards ensuring peaceful and fair elections, the two major political parties in St. Vincent and the Grenadines—the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP)—signed a revised Code of Election Conduct on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The signing ceremony, facilitated by the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM), took place in Kingstown and included a key addition: guaranteed police protection for the Leader of the Opposition, a provision absent in the 2020 version of the code. Augustine Ferdinand represented the ULP, while NDP Chairman Daniel Cummings signed on behalf of his party. NMCM Coordinator Godfrey E. Samuel emphasized that the 2025 code largely mirrors its predecessor, with minor grammatical adjustments and the notable inclusion of security measures for the opposition leader. Ferdinand highlighted the importance of the agreement, linking it to the Grand Beach Accord of 2000, which aimed to resolve political unrest through early elections. Both leaders underscored their commitment to peaceful campaigning and adherence to the rule of law, with Ferdinand quoting biblical scripture to reinforce the ULP’s dedication to stability. Cummings, meanwhile, contrasted the NDP’s law-abiding approach with past ULP actions, particularly in the contentious 1998 and 2020 elections. The NMCM’s role in monitoring campaign events and addressing potential breaches was also outlined, with Samuel detailing the process for handling violations. The Christian Council’s Bishop Gerard County expressed hope for a peaceful election, urging citizens to report concerns to the NMCM’s newly opened office. As the November 27 general election approaches, the signing of the code marks a critical step in fostering a peaceful democratic process.