PM Dr. Friday demands results as SVG signs GPH cruise deal 

By Val Matthias. Updated 9:27 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday says the new partnership between St Vincent and the Grenadines and Global Ports Holding must deliver tangible benefits for Vincentians.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement at the Kingstown cruise ship berth on Monday 26, Dr Friday said the government expects the partnership to produce improved infrastructure, stronger positioning for SVG in the international cruise industry and, most importantly, opportunities for the people.

“Most importantly, we expect this partnership to create opportunities for all Vincentians.”

Dr Friday said that will be the standard by which the agreement is ultimately judged.

He said the government’s role is to ensure that the national interest remains paramount, while acknowledging that the agreement followed months of legal, technical, commercial and policy work.

The Prime Minister made clear who the government is ultimately accountable to.

“MIMIT and GPH are my partners. My clients are the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Dr Friday said the government had carefully scrutinised the agreement before Cabinet approved it, describing scrutiny as an essential part of good government.

“Good government requires both ambition and scrutiny.”

He said the partnership is intended to generate benefits beyond the cruise port itself.

According to Dr Friday, increased cruise activity should create opportunities for taxi drivers, tour operators, vendors, craft producers, restaurant owners and entertainers.

He said the economic impact could also extend to farmers supplying fresh produce, fishers, truckers and businesses providing goods and services to the tourism industry.

But the Prime Minister also placed responsibility on local businesses and entrepreneurs to prepare for the expected growth.

He said service providers must be prepared to expand and invest, while businesses must raise their standards and entrepreneurs must continue to innovate.

The agreement comes as the government acknowledges that SVG’s existing cruise facility, built more than 26 years ago, has limitations in dealing with modern cruise vessels.

Dr Friday said cruise ships have become significantly larger, while cruise lines and passengers now expect more from destinations.

“We don’t intend to be left behind.”

He said the government must therefore increase capacity and improve the visitor experience while ensuring that the country’s long-term interests are protected.

Dr Friday also warned that development cannot come at the expense of the natural assets on which the tourism industry depends.

He said the country’s coastlines, beaches, reefs, marine resources, communities and natural heritage must be protected as visitor numbers increase.

“Growth must be sustainable and development must be responsible.”

The Prime Minister said GPH’s success in the partnership will ultimately depend on whether it can deliver on the expectations being placed on it.

“We expect this partnership to deliver.”

He said the government expects improved infrastructure, stronger international positioning for St Vincent and the Grenadines and opportunities for Vincentians.

Dr Friday said the signing marks only the beginning of the process.

“The signing of this agreement is only the first step.”

He said the government is investing in the future competitiveness of the tourism industry with the goal of making life better for Vincentians.

The Prime Minister said SVG is ready to welcome more visitors and build a cruise tourism sector that is modern, competitive, sustainable and distinctly Vincentian.

But the real test of today’s agreement, according to Dr Friday, will be whether the promised investment and growth translate into wider opportunities and improved livelihoods for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

END

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. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]