PM Gonsalves – SVG Just Inches from First World Status

By Val Matthias. Updated 12:19 p.m., Friday, November  7, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is on the cusp of entering the “Very High” human development category, according to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who addressed supporters at a recent political meeting with an overview of the country’s socio economic progress over the past quarter-century.

Referencing the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI), which classifies countries into four tiers Very High, High, Medium, and Low Dr. Gonsalves noted that SVG currently ranks 76th globally, with a score of 79.8% based on 2023 data.

“To reach the ‘Very High’ level, you need to score 80% across all indicators, education, health, standard of living. We are right there,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that SVG’s current standing places it ahead of several Caribbean peers, including Jamaica, Suriname, Belize, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Dominica. “We’ve moved from being better off than only two countries in the region to being among the top tier of the ‘High’ category,” he declared, adding that Guyana’s recent gains were largely driven by oil revenues.

Dr. Gonsalves attributed the country’s steady climb to resilient governance and strategic policy choices, especially in the face of adversity. “Despite natural disasters, volcanic eruptions, and global economic shocks, we’ve built back better,” he said. “In 2001, fewer than 70% of homes had electricity and water. Today, that figure is nearly 100%.”

He also pointed to housing improvements, noting that in 2001, the average home value was under $20,000. “Now, we’re building homes that reflect dignity and progress,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister signalled that SVG is on track to achieve “First World status,” a term he used to describe the country’s development aspirations. “Watch for our manifesto,” he urged. “It will detail how we get there through foreign policy, domestic resilience, and the will of the people.”

The speech was part of a broader campaign narrative highlighting SVG’s transformation and its ambition to join the ranks of the world’s most developed nations.

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