The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has moved to reset its diplomatic slate, announcing a new cadre of Heads of Mission and Consulates during a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room, signalling both continuity and change in the country’s external relations.
The announcements, however, come against the backdrop of lingering public unease over the departure of former Consul General Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, whose final public appearance in the role — just days after the change of government — sparked debate about diplomatic conduct and political transitions.
McIntosh was speaking at the Vincentian-American Independent National Charities (VINCI) pre-Christmas gala in Brooklyn in December when he openly acknowledged uncertainty about whether he would continue as Consul General to the United States, a position he had held since 2022. His appointment had been made under the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration, which was voted out of office in the November 27 general election.
Delivering greetings on behalf of the incoming New Democratic Party (NDP) government led by Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday, McIntosh struck a conciliatory tone, praising the diaspora and its contribution to national development. Yet his candid admission that he did not know if he would remain in office — coupled with repeated references to his uncertain status — left some observers uncomfortable.
For seasoned watchers of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ diplomatic traditions, the remarks were unusual. Diplomats serve at the discretion of the government of the day, but public expressions of uncertainty, particularly in a celebratory diaspora setting, were viewed by critics as cutting against long-standing norms of discretion and institutional confidence. One diaspora figure, speaking privately afterward, described the moment as “a diplomat begging for work,” a characterisation that quickly gained traction in political discussion.
Today, that uncertainty has been resolved, with McIntosh not included in the new round of appointments.
Among those named is Roland Matthews, former Member of Parliament for North Leeward, who has been appointed Consul General to New York. The post is regarded as one of the most strategically important in the country’s diplomatic network, given the size and influence of the Vincentian diaspora in the United States. Matthews is expected to focus on diaspora engagement, consular services, and strengthening links between overseas Vincentians and the state.
Attorney and former senator Vynette Frederick has been appointed Ambassador to the United Nations, where she will represent St Vincent and the Grenadines in multilateral discussions that increasingly shape the fortunes of small island developing states. Climate change, sustainable development, and international financing are expected to dominate her portfolio as Kingstown maintains an active presence on the global stage.
Brereton Horne, a lawyer specialising in criminal defence, will serve as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. His posting to London comes as the government seeks to deepen cooperation in education, trade, and development, while also tending to a sizable Vincentian community in Britain.
Ideisha Jackson, an educator and development professional, has been named Ambassador Designate to the Republic of Cuba. Her appointment reflects the longstanding relationship between Kingstown and Havana, particularly in health care, education, and technical cooperation — areas in which Cuban assistance has long featured prominently.
Journalist and communications professional Kenton Chance has been appointed Ambassador Designate to the Republic of China (Taiwan). Chance is the founder of IWitness News and has worked across local, regional, and international media since 2002. He studied journalism and international affairs at Ming Chuan University in Taiwan and, in 2022, became the first Vincentian to receive Taiwan’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Those familiar with the appointment say his academic background and longstanding ties to Taipei position him well for a sustained tenure, as SVG continues to deepen cultural, educational, and technical exchanges with Taiwan.
While no detailed explanation was offered publicly for McIntosh’s removal, officials were keen to frame the new appointments as a forward-looking exercise, emphasising confidence in the individuals selected rather than any personal or political rebuke.
Overall, the reshuffle underscores the new administration’s intention to assert its own diplomatic posture across key centres — New York, London, Havana, Taipei, and the United Nations — each central to SVG’s foreign policy priorities. The blend of political experience, professional expertise, and academic grounding among the appointees is being presented as the foundation for advancing national interests abroad, even as the circumstances surrounding Luta’s exit continue to animate quiet debate at home and within the diaspora.
