Author: News Admin

Governor General Her Excellency Dame Susan Dougan will officially relinquish her duties on January 5, 2026. The announcement was carried on NBC Radio on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a transition that will eventually see a new Head of State appointed. Dame Susan’s appointment on August 1, 2019 was historic — she became the first woman to serve as Governor General, breaking a centuries-old line of male predecessors. Her tenure, defined by calm leadership and a continued focus on social development, stretched across years marked by national growth, a pandemic, and evolving discussions about the future of the constitutional role…

The construction of a new Parliament building is not on the Government’s immediate agenda, as Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday says the national focus remains firmly on healthcare infrastructure. Speaking on radio recently, Dr. Friday said that given the country’s financial limitations, now is not the time to pursue a parliamentary complex. Instead, he pointed to the need to channel resources toward completing the Acute Referral Hospital at Arnos Vale, a major healthcare project expected to play a critical role in improving medical services across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “We have to invest in what directly affects the well-being…

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has activated an urgent manhunt as officers intensify investigations into a serious case involving attempted murder and kidnapping. The appeal was issued today as detectives continue to follow leads, urging members of the public to assist in locating two persons of interest believed to be connected to the ongoing probe. Law enforcement officials say efforts are actively underway as police seek Carrisa “Shemika” Neverson, of South Rivers, and Jamal McMaster, who remains at large. Neverson is wanted for questioning in relation to the kidnapping investigation. Meanwhile, McMaster is being sought as…

Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Conroy Huggins, has announced that the government has paid out $250,000 in outstanding support to fisherfolk and persons affected by Hurricane Beryl who did not receive assistance previously, marking the start of what he says will be a major upgrade of the fisheries sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Huggins made the statement during a recent Facebook video address today, where he outlined plans for a full revamp of fisheries facilities across the country. He said he and his team have already visited sites in Owia, Calliaqua, Kingstown Fish Market, Lowmans Bay, Barrouallie and Chateaubelair…

By A Concerned Advocate for Justice and Healing. Sexual and child abuse continues to demand national attention. This cannot become another moment of outrage that fades into silence. St. Vincent and the Grenadines must take firmer action to protect the most vulnerable among us — women, girls, boys, and children. For years, survivors have spoken of grooming, exploitation, and assault in places where they should have been safe — recording studios, vehicles on remote roads, private “counselling” sessions, and situations where help was offered in the form of mentorship, creative opportunities, or school supplies. Some survivors described “deliverance” or “spiritual…

Questions are mounting over whether Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his two appointed opposition senators Carlos James and Keisal Peters will be eligible to receive a parliamentary salary after failing to take the oath of office at the first sitting of the new Parliament last week. While government members and newly elected MPs took their oaths and assumed their seats, the opposition bench — led by the Former Prime Minister — was notably absent. Without the oath, a member cannot participate in debate, vote, or officially act in the capacity of an MP or senator. What remains unclear is…

The appearance of Rene Baptiste in the public gallery during the opening sitting of Parliament on Tuesday drew attention, as ministers and senators were sworn in and the Upper House was formally constituted for a new parliamentary session. Baptiste, a respected Vincentian lawyer and senior political figure, was present in her capacity as Speaker of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Assembly, a role that keeps her engaged with parliamentary and governance developments across the region. The sitting centred on the swearing-in of ministers and senators following the formation of a new government led by the New Democratic Party…

The presentation of the 2025 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure by the Former Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration has returned to the centre of public debate following confirmation by newly elected Prime Minister Godwin Friday that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is carrying an overall public debt estimated at approximately $3.1 billion. Although the Prime Minister has been careful to state that he is not accusing the Former administration of wrongdoing, the disclosure has prompted renewed examination of how the 2025 Budget was presented to Parliament and the public, and whether the country’s full financial position was communicated with sufficient…

Ronnia Durham-Balcombe was officially appointed and sworn in today as Speaker of the House of Assembly, marking an important moment in the parliamentary affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Her appointment was confirmed during a formal sitting of the House, where Durham-Balcombe was presented to members and took the prescribed oaths of office in accordance with constitutional and parliamentary requirements. With the swearing-in completed, she now assumes responsibility for presiding over sittings of the House, maintaining order during debates, and ensuring that proceedings are conducted in strict adherence to the Constitution and Standing Orders. As Speaker, Durham-Balcombe serves as…

Prime Minister Godwin Friday has revealed that he has not yet taken up residence at the official Prime Minister’s Residence, citing the building’s poor condition and its current unsuitability for living. The disclosure was made during a live interview on Hot 97.1 SVG on Tuesday, where the Prime Minister explained that while he intends to occupy the residence, significant repairs are required before it can be deemed habitable. Dr. Friday emphasized that the official residence is public property, belonging to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and should therefore be maintained at a standard appropriate to the office…