By Val Matthias. Updated 7:34 p.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
With Parliament officially dissolved on October 28, 2025, questions have arisen among citizens about how government continues to operate in the lead-up to the general elections scheduled for November 27.
In an interview with the Agency for Public Information (API), Esteemed Legal Counsel, Former Minister of Government, and Speaker of the OECS Assembly, Hon. Rene Baptiste, clarified the constitutional framework guiding this period.
Baptiste emphasized that government remains divided into its three arms the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. While the Legislature has been dissolved, the Judiciary continues to hear matters through the High Court and Magistrate’s Court, ensuring that the business of justice proceeds uninterrupted.
She explained that the Executive arm remains intact, with the Prime Minister, Attorney General, and Cabinet Secretary playing critical roles in the continuation of government. These offices safeguard the administration of the state until a new Parliament is elected and convened.
Importantly, Baptiste underscored the distinction between the Prime Minister and the Governor General. The Governor General, she noted, is not an executive officer but rather the representative of His Majesty the King in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister. While the Governor General fulfills ceremonial and constitutional duties, executive authority rests with the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
As the nation heads to the polls on November 27, Baptiste’s explanation provides clarity on how governance is maintained during this transitional period. Citizens are reminded that while legislative functions are paused until the new Parliament is sworn in, the machinery of government continues to operate, ensuring stability and continuity.
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