An Open Letter to all CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT
Re: Urgent Concern Regarding the Protocol of Inviting the MINORITY LEADER of St. Vincent and the Ralph Gonsalves to CARICOM/CHOGM Engagements
From: Forensic Audit IssaMust, Margaret London and other Concerned Citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Date: November 3, 2026
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write to you with a deep sense of urgency and profound disappointment regarding what appears to be a recurring and unprofessional pattern of protocol within the Caribbean Community, specifically concerning the representation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
On November 25, 2025, the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines made a decisive democratic choice. Dr. the Honourable Godwin Friday was elected as Prime Minister, with his New Democratic Party (NDP) securing a historic 14-1 victory over the Unity Labour Party (ULP), capturing over 58% of the popular vote. This was not a marginal shift; it was a clear mandate for change after 24 years of ULP governance.
Despite this overwhelming democratic mandate, it has come to my attention that former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has been invited to attend or participate in CARICOM/Heads of Government-related engagements, such as the recent meetings in Antigua. The excuse proffered for this inclusion has been the use of the term “REPARATION” a semantic shield that fails to mask the reality of the situation.
This is not an isolated incident. It is my understanding that this has occurred on two previous occasions. This repeated invitation of a minority leader, who was decisively rejected at the polls, over and alongside the legitimately elected sitting Prime Minister, Dr. Godwin Friday, is a grave disrespect to the office of the Prime Minister and, more importantly, to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines who voted for new leadership.
We are not alone in our concerns regarding the integrity of regional proceedings. It is noted that the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has previously voiced her strong opinions regarding the direction of the labour movement within CARICOM and has taken stands on matters of principle. Her refusal to attend certain meetings underscores that when the protocols of regional governance are breached or when the body politic is disrespected, leaders of conscience must take note.
The nations of the Eastern Caribbean- Trinidad, Barbados, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Antigua-have historically been firm custodians of democratic norms and the integrity of the labour movement over the last quarter-century. We look to you, the current stewards of CARICOM, to uphold these same standards.
We therefore call upon CARICOM to:
- Cease the practice of inviting former Prime Minister Gonsalves to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at Heads of Government or affiliated meetings under the guise of “repatriation” or any other semantic pretext.
- Publicly reaffirm that the legitimate representative of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at CARICOM is the sitting Prime Minister, Dr. Godwin Friday, and his duly appointed Cabinet.
- Apologize to the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for any disrespect shown to our democratic process.
The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines spoke loudly on November 25, 2025. It is time for the regional body to listen and to respect the sovereign will of our people. Anything less undermines the very foundation of the Caribbean Community.
Yours faithfully,
Forensic Audit IssaMust
and Margaret London et al
