PM Dr. Friday Meets Private Sector Ahead of Budget

Photo credit: Agency for Public Information – API.

By Val Matthias. Updated 7:07 a.m., Thursday, January 29, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday met with private sector leaders on January 27 under the theme “Partners in Progress: A New Social Contract for Saint Vincent.”

The consultation comes in the lead‑up to the 2026 Budget Session, which opens on February 9 at 4:00 p.m. with the Throne Speech delivered by Governor‑General Stanley Kendrick John, KC, followed by Friday’s first Budget Address since taking office.

Dr Friday told participants, “We must work together to build a sustainable and prosperous future,” stressing that domestic investment, skills development and economic growth are central to creating better‑paying jobs.

The discussion included contributions from Jimmie Forde of ACADO SVG, Shafia London of SLU Group, Derry Williams of the Bank of SVG, Isola Giddings of the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association, and Ronette Lewis of the Centre for Enterprise Development.

The Prime Minister’s Office described the meeting as part of a series of consultations to shape national policy. The government says these engagements will continue as it prepares the budget, which is expected to set new priorities for economic management and growth.

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