Dr Godwin Friday, speaking Tuesday on Hot97 following his landmark 14-1 victory to become the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, spoke to the new government’s immediate policy priorities, its long-term vision, and the significant challenges inherited from the previous administration.
The election was framed not just as a political win, but as a popular “movement” for change, driven by a desire for a new style of governance focused on service, consultation, and sincerity.
The Prime Minister outlined a philosophy of empowering public servants, ending political micromanagement, and remaining personally accessible to the populace, encapsulating a sentiment described by citizens as “the country feel light.”
Immediate priorities are centered on four key promises to be delivered within the first 60 days, including a successful VAT-free shopping day, a forthcoming salary bonus designed to benefit lower-income public servants most, the reinstatement of workers dismissed under COVID-19 mandates, and an increase in public assistance.
However, these initiatives are set against a challenging fiscal backdrop. The Prime Minister confirms the nation’s financial state is “worse than expected,” with a public debt exceeding $3.1 billion and significant outstanding payments to local businesses.
Key long-term goals to address this include the establishment of a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program by 2026, the implementation of a national health insurance plan, and a renewed focus on accelerating development in tourism, agriculture, and the yachting industry.