By the New Democratic Party
May 27th 2026, marked six months since Vincentians voted out of government the vindictive and reckless Unity Labour Party (ULP), ending a dark chapter of mismanagement and neglect.
The New Democratic Party inherited a nation burdened by crippling debt, soaring unemployment, and stagnant economic growth.
To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday addressed the nation, reflecting on the challenges inherited by his government. In his speech, he outlined the efforts already underway and detailed his administration’s strategic plans to address some of the issues.
The following are excerpts of Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday’s Address, “Six months since taking office, our administration has conducted a deep dive into the nation’s accounts. I must tell you: our nation faces a sobering economic reality. We have inherited a house with a crumbling foundation, a situation defined by vulnerabilities that demand immediate, decisive action.
The hard facts are these: The Debt Burden: In 2025, our debt-to-GDP ratio reached an alarming 113 percent. The Overdraft: We found a bank overdraft of $200 million—more than double the statutory limit of $85 million. And, we are facing high fiscal deficits because the previous administration let current spending spiral out of control while failing to finish the very capital projects meant to grow our economy.
If we continue to ignore these warning signs—if we fail to show the responsible leadership required for fiscal discipline—our debt will balloon to 145 percent of GDP by 2031. We cannot, and we will not, leave that mountain of debt for our children to climb.
One reason for this poor state of affairs is the systemic failure within our State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). We recently assessed 12 entities, and the results were deeply concerning. We found governance failures, a total lack of audited financial reports, and no basic planning for the future in most cases. Most troubling was the heavy-handed intervention of the political directorate in daily management. This led to poor decision making and to actions that undermined the viability of the a SOEs.
Entities like the Farmers Support Company and the Housing and Land Development Corporation should be job creating and engines of growth. Instead, they have become wholly dependent on government bailouts to survive. This is an inefficient use of your hard-earned tax dollars. It stops us from building the roads, schools, and clinics you deserve. It prevents us from investing in needed projects when funds are used to keep SOEs afloat!
A New Path to Prosperity
My government is committed to a people-first governance model. This means we choose accountability over excuses. We are taking the following actions immediately:
- We will enforce strict standards i.e. we are moving quickly to ensure all SOEs complete their outstanding audits. The days of hidden books are over.
- We will put merit over patronage i.e. we will institutionalize merit-based management. We are hiring the best minds for the job, not the best-connected friends.
- We have launched a comprehensive review to streamline spending. We will prioritize the critical infrastructure that helps our small business owners and transport operators move this country forward.
- We are implementing an updated Fiscal Responsibility Framework to guide every budget we present.
The first six months of this administration have shown that we are a government prepared to act. From increasing public assistance, to maintaining no new taxes in Budget 2026, to investing in roads, water security, and social support programmes. We have remained focused on protecting people during difficult times.”
Six Months of Effective Representation
During the first six months of governance, each Member of Parliament has demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness in their roles, both as a Parliamentary Representative and as a minister of government. Their commitment to serving the people, addressing key issues, and implementing vital initiatives has set a strong foundation for development.
As Parliamentary Representatives they have been diligently engaging with their constituents through regular consultations and ‘constituency clinics’ held in each constituency. Their active participation demonstrates a sincere commitment to listening to and addressing the concerns of all members of their constituencies, regardless of whether they voted NDP or ULP. This inclusive approach reflects their dedication to serving the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and signifies a positive step toward rebuilding trust in government. By prioritizing open dialogue and community involvement, these Parliamentary Representatives are working hard to provide effective representation to their constituents.
As ministers of government, they have approached their responsibilities with confidence and with a strong sense of purpose, which have already led to the beginning of the implementation of several key election promises made by the party. This demonstrates their commitment to delivering tangible results and fulfilling their pledges to the people pf St Vincent and the Grenadines. By translating campaign commitments into action, they are laying the groundwork for positive change and progress across the country, and reaffirming their dedication to serving the best interests of all the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In this brief period, Vincentians have started to notice a difference in governance, marked by effective representation, and accountability, and a renewed focus on the needs of the people. This new approach stands in stark contrast to the twenty-five years of the oppressive ULP regime, which was characterized by mismanagement and neglect. The positive changes reflect our commitment to building a brighter future for all Vincentians.
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