This review is the second part to an initial article that I wrote to profile the leader of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, widely known as “The Comrade.” From his early days to his current role as a statesman, Gonsalves emerges as a figure full of intellectual depth, strategic acumen, and a deliberate approach to leadership. His career reflects a man who values intelligence, loyalty, and grace in his inner circle, leveraging these traits to navigate the landscapes he finds himself operating in.
A student of poverty, he’s able to portray himself as “the people’s ambassador” in order to carry out his own agenda domestically and internationally. Academically, he is a distinguished figure, holding both a doctorate and a law degree. Politically, his journey to leadership has been characterised by dogged determination and adaptability, overcoming challenges from multiple parties to secure the office of prime minister; maintaining the responsibilities of that post for almost a quarter-century. Through his words, phrasing, and imagery, The Comrade reveals both directly and covertly, his beliefs, ideals, and character. By examining his character, we gain valuable insights into how many of the major issues facing SVG got to where they are today and we can begin to theorize potential pathways forward.
Before proceeding, I want to make my stance clear: I am unaffiliated with either the Unity Labour Party (ULP) or the New Democratic Party (NDP). My analysis on the Comrade or any political figure is driven neither by party bias or personal vendetta but by a commitment to objective observation as both a political enthusiast and, more importantly, a civic-minded citizen. I will not align myself with any party or individual until I believe real progress in the form of clearly-dictated, modern, visionary policy is brought forth that covers all sectors of Vincentian society.
Education
One of the most significant policies of the Gonsalves-led ULP government is the “Education Revolution.” When Dr. Gonsalves assumed office in 2001, he declared the education system to be in a state of crisis, attributing the challenges to inadequate policies, poor implementation, and resource shortages under the Mitchell-led NDP government. Unlike its predecessor, which concentrated primarily on primary education, the ULP broadened its focus to include secondary education. Teacher training programmes were enhanced, and opportunities for international study were created– seemingly a turning point for the nation’s education sector. Overall, it sounds like great progress for the country, and it was, but at what cost?
By expanding the focus to secondary education while maintaining primary education support, the ULP effectively engaged future generations of voters. Many of today’s young voters in SVG were educated under the ULP’s Ministry of Education, shaped by a curriculum that fostered a specific perspective on national identity and governance. Additionally, the government’s partnerships with countries like Cuba and Taiwan, which facilitated scholarships for Vincentian students, produced a pool of educated professionals, many of whom occupy influential roles aligned with the ULP’s political vision.
Despite these advancements, there are glaring shortcomings. Educational development in SVG is stagnant. Many children are falling through the cracks due to improper testing at the primary level for conditions like Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or just poor vision; issues that hinder learning ability. Often, the students that I have the privilege of tutoring come home with little to no homework, leaving us to manufacture work for them to study and exercise. Moreover, multiple medical programmes have been brought to SVG but we have yet to construct a tertiary education institution, a critical step for sustainable educational development.
I urge you to ponder the question, “What made the early 2000’s education reform a revolution?” The early reforms aligned the system with international standards, from a “state of crisis”, but the momentum has stalled. SVG must move beyond the basics to truly compete on a regional and global scale, and prepare our students for the future. The curriculum must evolve to reflect contemporary needs, facilities must be continually upgraded, and educators and staff deserve better support and recognition. Policies must be tailored to address the diverse needs of today’s children, ensuring they are prepared not just to “get by” but to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. We need evolution not just revolution.
Infrastructural development
Over the past two decades, infrastructure development has been a hallmark of the ULP government, with landmark achievements such as the Rabacca Bridge and the Argyle International Airport. These projects are testaments to the government’s perseverance and innovation regarding national development, yet their timing and political implications cannot be ignored.
Major industrial projects in SVG often seem to align suspiciously with election cycles, presented as tangible proof of progress to sway voters. While the Argyle International Airport and other initiatives serve vital functions, one must ask: how many Vincentians regularly use these facilities? How often do they travel through the port or the airport? The reality for many communities across SVG is starkly different — marked by deteriorating roads, insufficient amenities, and overlooked potential.
In Kingstown, the contrast between potential and reality is particularly evident. During a recent walk from the NIS building to the Methodist Church — a short 10-minute journey — I was struck by the lack of scenery or engaging spaces. For tourists, this absence of charm and character is a missed opportunity. Even within the capital, seating areas and spaces to pause and enjoy the environment are scarce. Outside the Administrative Building, few places invite relaxation or reflection. The Central Police Station, a relic of colonial rule, is struggling with outdated infrastructure, hindering its capacity to meet modern demands. These challenges extend beyond the capital, with villages and rural communities grappling with significant infrastructure gaps. For these areas, the need for functional and community-oriented projects is urgent.
The critical question is not whether infrastructure projects are valuable—they undoubtedly are — but whether they genuinely address the needs of the people or are driven by political considerations. The government must adopt a more inclusive approach, engaging directly with communities to understand their priorities.
National security
National security in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a subject of particular interest and importance to me. I see the untapped potential in this space and the opportunity for large-scale impact, and I believe The Comrade does too.
In “The Making of the Comrade”, Dr. Gonsalves recounts a tense moment from his activist days when, during a protest he led, a member of the Special Services Unit (SSU) allegedly threatened him at gunpoint but was restrained due to the presence of public witnesses. One might expect such an experience to foster a deep resentment toward law enforcement, yet Gonsalves, true to his pragmatic and strategic nature, has instead maintained a firm grip over the Ministry of National Security and its associated bodies. He remarks that his first meeting after being sworn in as prime minister was with the rank-and-file of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) — a calculated move as much as a symbolic one. This tight control over law enforcement, including direct oversight of key leadership positions like the island’s top cop, reflects Gonsalves’ understanding of the threat a structured, uniformed organisation wields, even if only as a means of checks and balances. However, this centralised control has arguably resulted in a demotivated force, constrained by limited resources and authority — an institution akin to a hungry dog on a leash.
Earlier this week, a man was executed in cold blood, shot in the head multiple times at point-blank range in a subcommunity of Kingstown. While I maintain that St. Vincent lacks “bad men” and the entrenched gang culture seen elsewhere, those who commit such acts are increasingly brazen and vicious. As a result, the men and women tasked with managing and responding to these threats must be capable of meeting their level of threat. In any society grappling with violence, two institutions must remain robust: the church and the police. Unfortunately, in SVG, neither can currently claim to embody that strength.
To address this crisis, a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of National Security is imperative. This should include a restructuring of all departments under its umbrella, such as the RSVGPF, the Fire Service, the Coast Guard, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), and Passport and Immigration Services. Beyond organisational reforms, the government must invest in new facilities, advanced equipment, and cutting-edge technology to match the sophistication of modern criminal elements. Specialised training for high-priority units within the police force and related departments is essential. Advanced programs in forensics, cybercrime, tactical response, and community policing must be designed and implemented to enhance the force’s capabilities.
The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines deserve a government that prioritises their safety, and the officers who serve on the front lines deserve better resources, training, and support. Rising crime rates are not just a statistic to wield in political debates by oppositional voices — they represent lives lost and families shattered.
Illegal weapons and ammunition continue to flow into our communities while fathers, sons, and brothers bleed on our streets. This is the reality we face. The question is no longer “What is happening?” but “What are we doing about it?”
Conclusion
These, I believe, are a few of the most pressing issues where the character of Dr. Gonsalves can be observed. At the end of the day, we are fortunate to live in a democracy where we can cast our ballots for those we believe will best represent us. Over the course of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’s 25-year tenure, the nation has seen significant progress — achievements that have improved the lives of Vincentians and elevated our standing on the global stage. However, it is undeniable that many foundational aspects of our society — the areas that directly affect our daily lives — have been overlooked or left to stagnate.
Governance has grown static. As citizens, it is our responsibility to hold our leaders accountable, regardless of party affiliation or historical achievements. The future demands fresh leadership, innovative ideas, and dedicated patriots who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work necessary to bring about meaningful change.
Mr. Prime Minister, if you’re reading this, thank you for your service and unwavering dedication to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Your contributions are a significant part of our nation’s history. Yet, the challenges we face today require more than maintaining the status quo or small gestures with little meaning or longevity. The minimum is no longer sufficient. The time has come for bold steps, transformative leadership, and a renewed commitment to addressing the needs of all Vincentians. Don’t leave this task unfinished.
Daniel Burgin
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