Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday has reassured the Vincentian diaspora that his administration is taking a systematic, evidence-driven approach to investigating state-owned enterprises and public entities following the political transition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Addressing concerns raised at a town hall meeting in Brooklyn, New York, regarding past allegations of corruption and misconduct under the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) government, Prime Minister Friday outlined his administration’s strategy for institutional accountability.
To evaluate state-run entities, Friday disclosed that his government appointed a rapid assessment team of two qualified Vincentians to audit all public enterprises. An initial report evaluating 12 state-owned entities was submitted three months ago, and the team has now completed reviews of the remaining entities.
Friday revealed that the audit of the first 12 public enterprises uncovered issues that warrant deeper inquiry. “There are things there that require further investigation, and they will be investigated,” Friday assured, emphasizing that “where the information and the evidence leads, we will follow”. He added that ongoing reviews of statutory boards and public entities will similarly lead to further formal investigations.
Addressing questions about why legal actions or public announcements had not been rushed, Prime Minister Friday stressed the importance of methodical governance over arbitrary timelines. He explained that past political investigations often fizzled out because they began from flawed premises or arbitrary targeting.
“We do things in a way [where] I’m not here targeting somebody here and there,” Friday stated, asserting that his focus is on fixing systemic failures and establishing lasting accountability. “We owe you accountability. We promised accountability. We will deliver accountability”.
The discussion on governance also addressed administrative irregularities encountered during the transition. Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble confirmed audience reports that computers at the Vincentian Consulate in New York were wiped clean prior to the new team taking office. Bramble stated that the matter remains under active investigation, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
