By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly news |
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Political Transformation
- New Government: The New Democratic Party (NDP) secured victory in the 2025 national elections, ending a 25-year period out of power.
- New Prime Minister: Dr. Godwin Friday, the party leader, will become the island’s fifth Prime Minister since independence in 1979, defeating long-serving former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.
- Election Result: The NDP secured 11 parliamentary seats.
- Unity Message: The new Prime Minister announced that Friday will be a public holiday to allow people to celebrate. He called for national unity at a celebration at Heritage Square, stating: “The election is behind us now and I want us to see this country coming together and we put ourselves and our box to the wheel and quickly work to build St. Vincent and the Grenadines for us all.”
Jamaica: Leptospirosis Concerns Addressed
- Public Reassurance: The Jamaican government, through Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, reassured the public and visitors that there is no need to panic regarding a potential leptospirosis outbreak.
- Context: Concerns arose following the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28th.
- Statistics: There have been 14 leptospirosis-related deaths, with six confirmed.
- Assessment: Assessments show satisfactory water supply levels in affected areas.
Antigua and Barbuda: Holiday Relief Package Approved
- Three-Pronged Relief: The government approved a relief package designed to ease cost of living pressures and support local businesses during the Christmas season.
- Key Measures:
- Reinstated Christmas Barrel Program: Runs from December 1 to January 15, requiring only a $10 processing fee plus a 10% Revenue Recovery Charge on the imported items’ value.
- Temporary Sales Tax Reduction.
- Duty Waivers on festive foods.
