Senator Peters is the first of 10

By Admin. Updated 9:00 p.m., Friday, August 26, 2022, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

A photo collage with photos from the Agency for Public Information – API showing – Photo 1: Senator Keisal Peters (left) and Governor General H.E Dame Susan Dougan. In photo 2: Peters holds a bible while taking the Oath of Office.

Government Senator – Keisal Melissa Peters was today sworn in as a full minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

She is the first female and the youngest individual to have been given the post which is considered one of the most important ministerial positions in any government.

Since independence, ten (10) individuals, all males, have served as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Ms. Peters previously served as a Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs since independence (1979).

At the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Ms. Peters thanked the government and reiterated the solid nature of SVG’s foreign policy and the “respect” for SVG in the international arena.

Senator Peters’ ministerial background:

Ms. Peters assumed the position of Government Senator and Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately after the Unity Labour Party was sworn into office for a fifth consecutive term after winning the November 5, 2020 general election.

Since then, Peters has been representing the country at several international fora.

The portfolio item – Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade fell under prime minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ portfolio, but he will no longer has that portfolio item.

Dr. Gonsalves has taken up the portfolio of Tertiary Education to add to his other ministerial portfolio items of National Security, Legal Affairs and Information.

In a call to WEFM’s Issue at Hand program on August 21, Dr. Gonsalves said Ms. Peters has been doing a great job as Minister of State.

Ms. Peters has signaled her intention to contest the West Kingstown seat in the next general elections which are expected in 2025 and are constitutionally due by March 2026.

The Unity Labour Party came to power on March 28, 2001.