Godwin Friday vows major reforms as St. Vincent’s new Prime Minister

Godwin Elliot Loraine Friday was sworn in as St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG) fifth prime minister since independence in 1979, promising to serve “for all the people of this country.”

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The 66-year-old leader took office on Friday evening, less than 24 hours after leading his New Democratic Party (NDP) to a decisive 14-1 election victory over Ralph Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP), which had been seeking an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in office.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Friday stressed his commitment to improving living standards, moral values, and opportunities for all Vincentians. “It is my duty to do what I can to uplift living standards, moral values, hopes and expectations of our people, to enable each and everyone to dream and aspire to a better life in this country, and to not be prevented or obstructed from doing so by partisan politics, by unnecessary interference,” he said.

He emphasized that his policies will aim to help citizens achieve their full potential. “Our country of less than 110,000 people… we have to pool our resources, our intellect, all that we have to ensure, not just for us as individuals and our own families, but for those around us, that we can uplift one another,” he added.

Friday also spoke of the importance of faith, gratitude, and unity. “I always remember that in such times and in others, when we have joy and pleasure, that we take it to the Lord in prayer. I intend to do so as prime minister as well,” he said, calling on Vincentians to work together for the common good.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Friday said his administration will remain open to new ideas and adaptable in its approach. “I understand the challenges of office and the changes that take place from time to time, but we will remain adaptable, open ears to those who have solutions that might be better than the ones that we have put forward,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to his family and colleagues. “My wife, Ave Friday, small in stature, but… a tower of strength… our sons, Nicholas and Christian, have been there, offering critical advice when necessary… and my colleagues, I know, they can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Friday thanked voters for their confidence in the NDP, pledging major, transformational change. “It signalled to me that the people are ready for change that makes a difference in their lives, not incremental but major changes… We can’t do it by ourselves… We must rely on all of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and I know that from my conversations… that people are willing and ready to do so,” he said.