Government Appoints New Diaspora Ambassador 

By Val Matthias. Updated 7:07 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

St Vincent and the Grenadines has appointed long-serving Vincentian community leader Stephen Hermus John as Ambassador-at-Large for Diaspora Affairs, a move the government says will help strengthen engagement with Vincentians living overseas.

The appointment was formally recognised during a town hall meeting in New York on September 20, where Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday praised Mr John for his longstanding service to the Vincentian community in the United States.

Dr Friday described Mr John as “a tower of strength” for Vincentians in New York, noting his willingness to assist during times of national crisis and support visiting nationals from St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“When there is a disaster at home, first thing on the phone, what can we do to mobilize? When there are opportunities, people coming here to New York, what can we do to help?” the Prime Minister said.

The appointment document states that Mr John will support the country’s diaspora strategy and undertake special duties and representations on behalf of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Under the appointment, made by the Prime Minister in accordance with the Constitution and Article 7 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Mr John is authorised to represent the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines as Ambassador-at-Large for Diaspora Affairs. 

During the ceremony, Mr John’s professional achievements were highlighted, including his service as a retired principal with the New York City Department of Education, director of after-school programmes, programme coordinator at East Suffolk BOCES and assistant treasurer at J.P. Morgan Chase. He also holds advanced qualifications in education, administration and business. 

Accepting the appointment, Mr John thanked the Government and Cabinet for the confidence placed in him and pledged to serve the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I accept this honour with humility to serve the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” he told the gathering. 

Mr John also expressed gratitude to his family for their support over the years and reflected on the challenges he had overcome.

“I stand here today an imperfect man. I was rejected, denied, cast aside, yet I have the capacity to rise,” he said. 

The appointment forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic outreach and deepen connections with Vincentian communities abroad through dedicated diaspora engagement.

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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]