As anticipation builds for the first sitting of the new Parliament, expected to take place on December 23, questions remain over whether Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves will announce his two Senate appointments in time for the opening of the House.
Multiple sources have confirmed that the Parliament of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is expected to convene on December 23, marking its first meeting following the New Democratic Party’s decisive victory in the recent general election.
However, as of mid-December, Dr. Gonsalves has not publicly named the two senators to be appointed on the advice of the Opposition Leader, nor has he confirmed whether he will attend the first sitting. The absence of any announcement has fueled speculation, particularly given the significance of the occasion and the scale of the opposition’s electoral defeat.
The New Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Godwin Friday, secured a commanding mandate at the polls, bringing an end to more than two decades of Unity Labour Party rule. The transition represents one of the most significant political shifts in the country’s modern history.
Under normal circumstances, opposition Senate appointments are announced ahead of the first sitting to allow for full participation in parliamentary proceedings. While there is no immediate constitutional requirement for the appointments to be made before December 23, the delay is unusual enough to attract public and political attention.
Dr. Gonsalves has indicated in recent comments that he is still considering matters related to the transition, including his role and timing in the new Parliament. Observers say the delay may reflect a period of internal reassessment within the opposition following the loss of office, as well as careful consideration over who should represent the party in the Upper House at this stage.
The selection of opposition senators is widely viewed as an early signal of how the party intends to operate in opposition — whether by introducing new faces, relying on seasoned political figures, or striking a balance between experience and renewal.
With just days remaining before Parliament is expected to meet, attention remains firmly on the Opposition Leader and whether an announcement will be made ahead of December 23. Until then, uncertainty continues to surround the composition of the Senate as the country prepares to open a new parliamentary chapter.
