By Pharez McTair. Updated 3:50 p.m., Sunday, October 26, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Opposition Leader Dr Godwin Friday has called for a “transformative” shift in St Vincent and the Grenadines’ development strategy, unveiling a set of bold economic and social policies that his New Democratic Party (NDP) pledges to implement within its first 60 days in office if elected.
Speaking at a rally on Saturday night in North Windward, Dr. Friday echoed and expanded upon the promises of NDP candidate Senator Shevern John, declaring that the next election represents“a defining moment to bring real change” to Vincentians across the country.
“We are asking you to support the NDP because we are the only vehicle that will bring change come the next general election,” Friday told supporters. “Our commitment is to transform this country and improve the lives of ordinary people.”
Northern Development and Equality of Opportunity
Friday reaffirmed his party’s plan to transform North Windward, unveiling what he described as the Northern Development Plan, a targeted initiative to modernize agriculture, boost the fishing sector, and develop community-driven tourism in Fancy, Owia, and Sandy Bay.
He said the policy would guarantee equal treatment and opportunity for people living in the north, which he called “a practical and balanced approach to inclusive growth.”
“The people of the north must no longer be left behind,” he said. “We will modernize this part of the country and make it a driver of our national economy,” the President of the NDP said.
Economic Reform and the First 60 Days Agenda
Dr. Friday detailed a list of high impact measures the NDP intends to enact within 60 days of taking office. They include a Reduction of Value-Added Tax (VAT) from 16 percent to 13 percent; Doubling public assistance payments to the most vulnerable; Salary bonuses for public servants, and a Reversal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, reinstating those who lost jobs and benefits.
He stated that these policies would provide immediate relief to families, boost spending power, and restore trust in government.
Building the Future: The Four Economic Pillars
Dr Friday unveiled his administration’s proposed “Four Pillars” to drive long-term prosperity: Agriculture, Tourism, the Blue Economy, and the New Economy, a framework designed to expand exports, create sustainable jobs, and foster innovation.
He announced the creation of a National Development Bank to invest in local businesses, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthen national exports.
“We will use the NDP’s four pillars to generate real prosperity,” Friday said.
Youth Empowerment and Jobs
Addressing young voters directly, the NDP leader reaffirmed a Youth Guarantee Pledge, promising job opportunities, free access to training programs, and a one-year apprenticeship scheme to help young people gain work experience and develop marketable skills.
He also announced a National Athletes Program aimed at nurturing sports talent, improving training infrastructure, and expanding international opportunities for Vincentian athletes.
“The NDP is a party for the young people,” Friday declared. “We will make sure every young person has a chance to work, train, and succeed here at home,” he said.
Infrastructure, Culture, and Innovation
To sustain economic activity, Dr Friday said an NDP government would launch a National Investment Program dedicated to maintaining roads, hard courts, community centres, and playing fields.
He also pledged to invest in major national projects, including A National Centre for Culture, a network of National Innovation Hubs, and a Constituency Development Fund to finance local projects directly.
Healthcare and Social Protection
Dr Friday promised to introduce a National Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring all citizens have access to essential healthcare coverage regardless of income. He described this as a moral obligation of any government that claims to care for its people.
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