Prime Minister Godwin Friday says St. Vincent and the Grenadines is fortunate to have Stanley “Stalky” John as its head of state.
John, a lawyer and former parliamentary representative for East St. George, was sworn in on Tuesday as the nation’s 8th governor general.
He replaced Dame Susan Dougan, a retired educator and former Cabinet Secretary, who demitted office one day earlier after six years as head of state and 50 years of public service.
“Your Excellency, we are indeed a fortunate people that you have once more answered the call to be at the forefront of public service,” the prime minister told the governor general during the installation ceremony at Government House at Old Montrose.
As His Majesty the King’s representative here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I know you will serve honourably and faithfully,” Friday said.
“As a son of the soil, whose love of country is second to none and knows no bounds, I have no doubt that you will be exemplary in your service as Head of State.”
The prime minister thanked Dame Susan for her “magnificent service to our country.
“Your Excellency, your public service has been enduring and outstanding,” said Friday who became prime minister of Nov. 28, one day after his new democratic Party won 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats.
“Today, as you leave this public role, a grateful nation says farewell,” the prime minister said and wished Dame Susan “good health and good fortune in the years ahead.
Our nation remains in good hands, for we now have as our new head of state His Excellency Stanley John,” Friday said.
He said the nation knows him as an excellent barrister at law — a King’s Counsel.
“As a prominent and distinguished lawyer, he has given service to many in our courts, representing vigorously and always in keeping with the highest standards of that noble profession, always with dignity and professionalism.”
Friday noted that John has also had his days “in the rough and tumble of national politics”.
John was a senator for the St. Vincent Labour Party (SVLP) from 1984 to 1989, Parliamentary Representative for East St. George under the Unity Labour Party from 1998 to 2001 and Leader of the SVLP between 1992 and 1994.
“In keeping with his nature, he gave his all, remaining true to himself, his family, and his beloved country. Knowing him as well as I do, I can say that he could do it no other way, for he knows no other way but to give of his best,” Friday said.
“It is my immense good fortune to know him, to have benefited from his generosity and wisdom over the years. It is my pleasure to call him my long-standing friend, and now it is my distinct honour to have him as my Head of State, my country’s Governor General.”
The prime minister thanked John’s family “on behalf of a grateful nation for enabling him to take on this great and awesome responsibility.
“This new journey will not be his alone, for you will be with him every step of the way,” he said.
“Today, the sun shines brightly on our blessed land. We have only recently elected a new government with a clear and unmistakable mandate to bring change for the better, to continue to move our people forward together as one, to build on and accelerate progress for our people.”
Friday pledged to the head of state that as leader of the government, he would “fulfil that mandate and to govern this land with respect for all, and by the grace of Almighty God, never to yield, no matter the challenge”.
He noted that a new year has begun, adding, “Beginnings always bring hope.
“It is for us to make the best of that hope, to embrace the immense possibilities it lays before us, and to move forward.
“I am fortified by the love and support our people have invested in me as your prime minister, and in my colleagues as your ministers and as their representatives. That strength will enable us to do great things. Of this I have no doubt.”
Get rid of this man. God gave you the opportunity to start all over.IT shows all of us that you are no different than Ralp. and that you and yor Government may be more corrupt. Time tell.
Please leave Starky alone. He spent part of his youthful years in Layou with his grandmother. He often had many Layou friends together at his home. I believe SVG is in good hands.