By Val Matthias. Updated 1:55 p.m., Monday, November 2, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Luann Hadaway has moved from chairing the Board of the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) to becoming its General Manager, in a major change at the top of the state-owned institution.
Her appointment took effect November 2, 2026, according to a memorandum issued by the NLA Board.
The move comes just eight months after Hadaway was appointed the first woman to chair the NLA Board since the Authority was established in 1984.
She now assumes the Authority’s top executive position, replacing McGregor Sealey, who had been General Manager for more than four decades.
The Board’s memorandum does not state why Sealey is no longer General Manager. It also does not say whether he retired, resigned or was removed from the position.
That absence of an explanation is significant given the length of Sealey’s tenure and the fact that, as recently as March 2026, the newly appointed NLA Board had publicly described him as the Authority’s “long-standing General Manager.”
Historical reporting places Sealey at the NLA from its establishment in 1984. A Searchlight profile published in 2005 reported that he was there when the institution opened its doors and was still in charge. A later Searchlight report in January 2020 again identified him as having been at the helm since the NLA’s establishment.
That means Sealey’s tenure as the Authority’s chief executive extended for more than 40 years.
His long service has also coincided with the NLA’s development into a significant source of funding for sports, culture and national development. The Authority has financed sporting infrastructure and provided financial support for national initiatives, while its lottery operations generate millions of dollars in revenue.
Hadaway’s transition into the General Manager’s position is therefore more than a routine appointment.
In March, when she became Board Chair, the NLA said the new Board would work with Sealey and other members of management. At the time, Hadaway publicly acknowledged Sealey’s contribution to the Authority and thanked him for his management of the organisation.
Eight months later, the Board has placed Hadaway in the executive position previously held by Sealey.
The November 2 memorandum describes Hadaway as bringing a “wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise” to the post. It says her leadership and professional insight will contribute to the NLA’s continued growth, development and strategic direction.
The Board also says it expects her to work with management and staff to strengthen operations, improve service delivery and advance the NLA’s mandate in the development of sports and culture throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Hadaway’s appointment also places her in a different role from the one she held earlier this year.
As Board Chair, her responsibility was primarily one of governance and oversight. As General Manager, she will be responsible for the Authority’s day-to-day executive leadership.
The NLA has not publicly provided, in the memorandum announcing her appointment, an explanation for the change from Sealey’s four-decade tenure to Hadaway’s appointment.
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