Voters File Formal Objection to Dr. Godwin Friday’s Nomination in Northern Grenadines

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines – November 9, 2025 —
A group of registered voters from the Northern Grenadines has formally lodged an objection to the nomination of Dr. Godwin Elliot Lorraine Friday, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), claiming that he is constitutionally disqualified from contesting the upcoming November 27 general elections.

In a letter dated November 7, 2025, addressed to Mr. Devon Ollivierre, the Returning Officer for the constituency, the objectors argue that Dr. Friday’s nomination violates Section 26 of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution Order (1979). The section stipulates that no person shall be qualified to be elected as a Representative or Senator if, by their own act, they acknowledge allegiance or obedience to a foreign power or state.

The letter asserts that Dr. Friday, who has publicly acknowledged his Canadian citizenship, obtained that status “by virtue of his own act” and therefore falls under the disqualification clause. It further cites instances where Dr. Friday is said to have admitted in Parliament and public discussions to holding both a Canadian and Vincentian passport.

> “Canada is a foreign power and a foreign state,” the document states, insisting that this dual citizenship undermines the constitutional qualification required for election to the House of Assembly.



The objectors also reject Dr. Friday’s long-standing defense that, as a Commonwealth citizen, he remains eligible under Section 25(1)(a) of the Constitution. They contend that Section 26(1)(a) supersedes this provision, as it specifically disqualifies anyone who voluntarily acknowledges allegiance to another country.

The formal objection now places the matter in the hands of the Returning Officer, who is required by law to assess the complaint before finalizing the list of approved candidates for the Northern Grenadines constituency.

Dr. Friday, who has represented the constituency since 2001 and currently serves as Leader of the Opposition, has not yet publicly responded to the objection.

The development adds a new twist to the 2025 general election campaign, potentially setting the stage for a legal or constitutional dispute in one of the country’s most closely watched berth News Network)