By Roxanne Thompson. Updated 4:58 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Dr Ralph Gonsalves is scheduled to deliver a lecture on leadership and governance in Barbados on Wednesday November 18, as part of a six-part series organised by the island’s National Library Service. The lecture, titled Leadership, Governance and the Caribbean Experience, will take place from 6pm to 10pm at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in St Michael, Barbados.
Gonsalves brings more than 2 decades of experience in government and regional affairs to the discussion, having served as St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister from 2001 until November 2025. His Unity Labour Party (ULP) lost the November 2025 general election to the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Dr Godwin Friday, which secured 14 of the country’s 15 parliamentary seats. Gonsalves retained his North Central Windward seat and now serves as Leader of the Opposition.
However, his continued participation in regional engagements has attracted criticism from some Vincentians who believe the country’s current Prime Minister should be the one receiving invitations to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines. In an open letter published by St Vincent Times on November 4, concerned citizens called on CARICOM leaders to reconsider invitations to Gonsalves for Heads of Government-related engagements, arguing that such invitations should recognise Friday as the country’s elected leader.
The Barbados lecture is separate from a Heads of Government meeting, but Gonsalves’ invitation comes amid this wider discussion about the role of former leaders in regional affairs. The lecture will provide an opportunity for him to share his perspectives on leadership and governance, drawing on his years in office and experience in Caribbean politics.
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About the author: This story was written by freelance journalist Mrs. Roxanne Thompson. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mrs. Thompson can be reached at (rrh.thompson@gmail.com)
