Former Government Minister, Preacher Alpian Allen Dies at 86 

By Admin. Updated 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Former government minister and longtime public servant Alpian R. Allen, who later devoted his life to Christian ministry as a Methodist preacher, has died at the age of 86.

Allen passed away on Tuesday, August 18, after being hospitalised. He served as a Member of Parliament for North Leeward under the New Democratic Party (NDP) from 1989 to 2001, holding several senior ministerial portfolios during his years in government.

According to records of the House of Assembly, Allen first entered Parliament in 1989 and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health and the Environment, serving from 13 June 1989 to 13 January 1994.

He was later appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, a position he held from 21 March 1994 to 27 June 1996. His responsibilities were subsequently expanded when he became Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Information, serving from 30 May 1996 to 18 December 1997.

In February 1998, Allen assumed the role of Minister of Education, Culture and Women’s Affairs, remaining in that post until 11 January 2001, when his parliamentary service came to an end.

Following his political career, Allen turned his focus to ministry, serving as a Methodist preacher and continuing to contribute to community life through his faith.

His passing marks the loss of a former parliamentarian whose career spanned public health, foreign affairs, tourism, information and education during more than a decade of service to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In a tribute posted on Facebook, former North Leeward parliamentary representative Roland “Patel” Matthews described Allen as “a son of the soil” whose leadership helped instil a greater sense of pride among the people of North Leeward. Matthews also credited Allen with championing several key development projects during his tenure, including the rebuilding of the Chateaubelair Methodist Primary School and the Chateaubelair Hospital, as well as the lighting of the Petit Bordel Secondary School hard court, which expanded opportunities for youth through evening basketball and netball. He said Allen’s contribution to education, community development, sport and the overall upliftment of North Leeward would not be forgotten.

Allen is also remembered as the father of Dr Janelle Allen, Chairperson of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) Board of Governors.

Tributes are expected from across the political, religious and wider national community as family, friends and former colleagues reflect on his life and service.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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