Newly installed Governor General Stanley Kendrick “Stalky” John, KC, says he is embarking on the journey “impressed” by the mood among Vincentians at home and in the diaspora.
“Clearly, we are at the threshold of a new era,” the 74-year-old head of state said during the installation ceremony at Government House in Old Montrose on Tuesday.
“You are tired of the focus on partisan rivalries between the political parties, the political tribalism which takes place at the expense of our national interests, you now express a desire to experience a healing of our nation,” said John, a former Labour MP for East St. George.
“Hence, you have charged the honourable prime minister and his cabinet, this new administration, all of them committed patriots, to embark on this magnificent venture; fostering of a government for all the people.”
He said the people’s expectations emanate from “a deep desire for an effective, meaningful and civilised manner in which to address the challenges that confront Vincentians in improving the social and economic conditions of our nation.
“In concluding these remarks, I repeat, we are off to a commendable start in that direction; let us pray to Almighty God for guidance and work together as one people, towards achieving this admirable goal,” he said.
John succeeded Dame Susan Dougan, who retired from the post on Monday after six years, bringing to an end 50 years of public service, including more than 30 years in education before she became cabinet secretary.
He was a senator for the St. Vincent Labour Party (SVLP) from 1984 to 1989, the parliamentary representative for East St. George under the Unity Labour Party from 1998 to 2001, and Leader of the SVLP from 1992 to 1994.
During his stint as a parliamentarian, John made headlines when he grabbed the mace, which represents the monarch in Parliament, and without which the proceedings cannot take place.
Some political observers have noted the irony of that act, which occurred more than a quarter century before John would become the monarch’s representative in SVG.
In 2015, John mounted the platform of the then-opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), as it made what would be a failed bid to return to office after a third consecutive five-year term in office.
John has been appointed governor general under the NDP administration, which came to office on Nov. 28, 2025, having won 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats in the previous day’s polls, with the remaining seat being won by then-prime minister, now opposition leader, Ralph Gonsalves.
“Today, I feel so humbled as I reflect on the resolve and clarity, which the people of this nation exemplified in exercising their democratic right in the recently held general elections,” John said at the installation ceremony.
He said that what was especially telling was the unanimity of purpose made evident in the impressive mandate they bestowed upon their new administration.
“That command imposes an immense responsibility on those who have been elected and appointed, to serve in Parliament and in the executive branch, on behalf of the people. The positive feeling of assurance is pervasive, that the honourable prime minister and his Cabinet are off to a brilliant start and will continue to address with earnestness, the legitimate expectations of the populace.”
The governor general said there is “the expectation that those persons who have been elected and appointed, charged with the important constitutional role of providing the ‘People’s loyal Opposition’, will acquit themselves with aplomb in the true traditions of our Westminster-style parliamentary democracy. That they will work to keep the government, in all aspects, alert to the proper fulfilment of its obligations to the nation and that they will do so within the parameters of our constitutional processes”.
Speaking during the same ceremony, outgoing Governor General, Dame Susan Dougan said her successor was no stranger to public life.
“You have served as senator and a Member of Parliament for a number of years. You have a very successful legal practice, and you are a distinguished legal practitioner,” Dame Susan said.
“Today is a great day, as the prime minister said, and as a new governor general, I have every confidence in you. You are free to communicate with me at any time on matters relating to the office, and I give you my fullest support.”
She said John has served SVG “with diligence, and you have exhibited this throughout your professional life, and I’m sure you will continue on the same vein.
“Service to country calls for patience, humility, good judgment and love for the common man, and I know that you are very cognizant of that.”
The outgoing head of state said John has a thorough understanding of the many complex issues facing SVG today and will bring his expertise and vast experience to bear, providing clear direction and guidance whenever and wherever needed.
She noted that since her investiture, she worked through two national elections, the COVID-19 pandemic, the April 2021 eruption of La Soufriere volcano, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the coronation of King Charles III.
“Quite an adventure. And I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity offered me to serve in the capacity of Governor General,” Dame Susan said.
In a time when the monstrosity of western imperialism, is seeking dominance again, over parts of the world not yet healed from its Luciferian blight, it had blanketed them with. I earnestly appealed to the new government, to make this the last Governor General of our country. It is time for us to rid ourselves of this vestige of this blighting colonialism. We are a people able and capable in every sense, under the help and guidance of God, with our very able and efficient leaders to manage our autonomy. We do not need absentee colonial oversight.Please,my fellow Vincentians, let us not allow this to past to another generation. I appeal to our very excellent Prime Minister; it is time to begin the process to terminate this hold- over of colonialism.