KINGSTON, Jamaica 13 May 2026 – Former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has confirmed he will not encourage the Unity Labour Party (ULP) to select him for another general election, signalling a clear readiness for leadership transition within the party.
Speaking at the Jamaica Observer Press Club last Wednesday, Dr. Gonsalves said that as he approaches his 80th birthday in August, he is preparing to step back from front-line electoral politics. While remaining a dedicated member of the ULP, he made clear that he would not put himself forward for future contests.
Dr. Gonsalves emphasised that his departure from electoral politics does not mean retreat from public life. Instead, he is intensifying his involvement in the global movement for reparatory justice. He announced his new role as senior adviser to the Repair Campaign, an initiative launched in 2022 to support the Caricom Reparations Commission.
Describing the fight for reparations as a “great cause,” he said the movement demands certainty and leadership. He pointed to his decades of experience as a lawyer, social scientist, and head of government, noting that these skills and regional relationships will help connect advocacy groups, academic institutions, and international bodies.
The Repair Campaign focuses on research, public advocacy, and international engagement, aiming to secure reparatory justice for the Caribbean by addressing the enduring social and economic impacts of slavery, indigenous genocide, and colonial exploitation.