标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Prime Minister Godwin Friday of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has issued a powerful appeal for hemispheric solidarity, calling for the immediate termination of the United States’ economic embargo against Cuba and increased international support for Haiti during his address at the CELAC summit in Colombia.

Addressing fellow leaders from the Americas, Friday characterized the six-decade-long sanctions against Cuba as “anti-development measures” that continue to inflict severe hardship on the Cuban population. He specifically highlighted how extraterritorial provisions and Cuba’s controversial designation as a state sponsor of terrorism have crippled the nation’s access to international financial systems and impeded socioeconomic progress.

The Vincentian leader emphasized that the overwhelming majority of United Nations member states have consistently voted to condemn the embargo, with 165 countries supporting a resolution last year demanding its cessation. Despite this global consensus, Washington maintains its position, recently exacerbating Cuba’s energy crisis through efforts to restrict oil shipments to the island.

Turning to the deteriorating situation in Haiti, Friday expressed profound solidarity with the Haitian people as they confront escalating gang violence and political instability following President Jovenel Moïse’s 2021 assassination. He advocated for Haitian-led solutions, strengthened security institutions, and concrete actions against illicit arms trafficking while supporting the timeline for elections outlined in the National Pact for Stability.

Friday positioned these dual challenges as critical tests of international commitment to justice and South-South cooperation, urging CELAC and African nations to form a united front. He concluded with a vision of a coordinated Global South capable of reshaping international law, global governance structures, and development financing toward greater equity.

In a striking political development, East Kingstown MP Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble has publicly contradicted his party’s campaign promises regarding Value-Added Tax (VAT) reduction. Despite the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) explicit pre-election commitment to lower VAT from 16% to 13% within 60 days of assuming power, Minister Bramble now asserts this timeline was never part of their official agenda.

During a contentious radio interview on Hot 97.1, the Foreign Affairs Minister and economist acknowledged the VAT reduction was indeed an election platform promise but vehemently denied it was ever designated for implementation within the first 60 days of governance. This position directly conflicts with documented campaign materials and public statements made by NDP leadership prior to November’s general election.

Bramble instead identified three specific 60-day commitments: payment of salary bonuses, implementation of a VAT-free day, and doubling of Public Assistance benefits. When confronted with digital evidence contradicting his claims, the second-term MP dismissed the findings as artificial intelligence errors, stating, “AI is wrong with that one.

The controversy deepens with Prime Minister Friday’s recent budget address indicating VAT reduction would now occur by October 2026, following comprehensive assessments by the Ministry of Finance and Inland Revenue Department. The government cites fiscal responsibility and sustainable implementation as reasons for the delayed timeline, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policy rather than impulsive action.

This policy reversal occurs against the backdrop of St. Vincent’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with the Friday administration promising targeted relief measures while maintaining fiscal stability. The VAT system, initially introduced at 15% in 2007 by the previous Gonsalves administration, was increased to 16% in 2017 to fund natural disaster recovery efforts.

In a significant diplomatic development, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock has declared that his nation’s relationship with Taiwan should transcend friendship to become “family,” signaling a major foreign policy shift by the ruling New Democratic Party (NDP).

The remarks came during Leacock’s arrival in Taipei as head of a four-member delegation on a six-day official visit—the first since the NDP assumed power in November 2023. This statement effectively abandons the party’s previously announced 2016 policy of seeking diplomatic relations with China, which Leacock himself characterized as a misstep that “hurt us” in April 2024.

Addressing Taiwanese officials, Leacock expressed profound appreciation for the “tremendous assistance and brotherly relationships” developed over 45 years of diplomatic relations between the nations. He emphasized the NDP administration’s commitment to “build on the strong bridges of friendship” with “open minds and hearts,” noting that both sides have “hit the ground running” since the NDP’s electoral victory.

The Deputy Prime Minister specifically referenced the legacy of former Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell, who established relations with Taiwan in 1981, stating the current government aims to build on “those bridges” to advance St. Vincent’s development toward first-world status.

This position contrasts with pre-election concerns raised by the opposition Unity Labour Party (ULP), which had warned that an NDP victory might jeopardize Vincentian students’ scholarships in Taiwan. Prime Minister Godwin Friday had previously assured continuity in foreign relations, stating diplomatic ties would remain unchanged for the “foreseeable future.

The evolution of the NDP’s position reveals the complex calculations in Caribbean diplomacy. Sir James Mitchell, the party’s elder statesman, had previously emphasized that both Taiwan and St. Vincent must act in their best interests, noting the NDP’s historical popularity was “very much historically dependent on the help we got from Taiwan.” He had advocated for obtaining “bankable assurances” from Taiwan while maintaining relations.

Leacock’s familial characterization of the relationship and commitment to enhanced cooperation suggests a consolidation of the Taiwan-St. Vincent partnership, with the Deputy Prime Minister expressing optimism that Taiwan’s generosity “will grow even faster, and bear fruits that will be long-lasting for the life and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

A wave of voter disillusionment is sweeping through the constituency as the newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) administration faces mounting criticism for its perceived inability to deliver on campaign promises. Many citizens who had eagerly anticipated a change in government now find themselves resonating with Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain,” reflecting widespread sentiment that the administration lacks the decisive leadership necessary for meaningful transformation.

Prime Minister Friday has received a mediocre grade of C from constituents. While acknowledging positive measures such as VAT-free shopping initiatives, vaccine mandate relief, increased poor relief allocations, Bequia airport resurfacing, and bonus distributions, voters criticize his persistent indecisiveness and delayed responses to urgent matters. Reports indicate that despite multiple audiences with the Prime Minister seeking redress for issues ignored by other ministers, constituents remain without resolution.

Several cabinet members are facing particularly harsh evaluations. Minister Bramble earns a D- grade due to controversial appointment decisions that have alienated his core supporters. Voters strongly oppose the reappointment of individuals associated with the previous administration’s 25-year tenure, accusing Bramble of political misdirection.

Terrance Ollivierre similarly receives a D- rating for his inadequate attention to the community college portfolio. Allegations of ongoing corruption, maintained ULP-established board control, and disproportionate salary increases for favored staff members have prompted college employees to escalate concerns to higher government officials. The apparent absence of the Accreditation Board further compounds these issues.

Minister Phillip Jackson earns a D grade for his failure to maintain communication and address ministerial friction that has created a challenging work environment. His perceived inability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously has disappointed those who expected innovative leadership.

Other ministers including Conroy Huggins (Grade C), Kishore Shallow (Grade C-), and Shevern John (Grade C) are criticized for similar patterns of unreturned communications and indecisiveness, suggesting a broader administrative disconnect from public needs.

The administration faces additional scrutiny over the apparent continuation of ULP-era figures in decision-making positions and the emergence of an elitist clique. Questions regarding campaign donation influences on board appointments further erode public trust. Political analysts suggest that were it not for the ULP’s current weakness, the NDP would already face significant reelection challenges.

In a significant diplomatic overture, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister St Claire Leacock has called for strengthening bilateral relations with Taiwan beyond conventional diplomacy, characterizing the partnership as evolving into a familial bond. The high-ranking official articulated this vision upon arriving at Taoyuan International Airport with his delegation on Tuesday, where they were formally received by Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi.

Representing the newly elected New Democratic Party administration under Prime Minister Godwin Friday, Minister Leacock emphasized the profound appreciation for Taiwan’s extensive support across multiple sectors including education, agriculture, infrastructure, and fisheries over their 45-year relationship. “We come with open minds and hearts to build on the strong bridges of friendship that have existed over years,” Leacock stated, delivering a message on behalf of the Governor-General, Prime Minister, and citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Security Minister revealed that Prime Minister Friday had entrusted him with a “great task” during this inaugural visit following their November 2023 electoral victory. He particularly noted Taiwan’s immediate recognition of the new administration’s continuity as “a very profound signal” demonstrating readiness to engage with the incoming government.

Leacock expressed particular interest in reactivating the robust relationship dynamics established during Sir James Mitchell’s tenure, aiming to advance Vincentian society toward first-world status through comprehensive cooperation. The five-day itinerary includes substantive ministry-to-ministry discussions with Taiwan’s foreign, police, and defense ministries, culminating in an anticipated meeting with President Lai Ching-te.

The delegation comprises Heritage and Social Development Minister Shevern John, Junior Education Minister Laverne King, and Leacock’s wife Margaret, a retired educator. Minister Leacock concluded with optimistic expectations for accelerated cooperation, emphasizing the unique characterization of Taiwan-St. Vincent relations: “We are friends, but more so, we are family” – a testament to 45 years of sustained diplomatic partnership.