National Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
According to aceinland, the national flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a triband composed of three equal horizontal stripes of blue, yellow and green. The blue stripe is located closest to the hoist side of the flag and has a width of one-third the length of the flag. The yellow stripe is located in the middle and also has a width of one-third while the green stripe is located closest to the fly side of the flag with a width that is twice as wide as each of the other two stripes.
Atop this triband sits a black V symbol which was added in 1985 to represent Saint Vincent’s status as part of the Commonwealth Realm, signifying loyalty to Queen Elizabeth II. This black V symbol features a white border along its edges which are pointed towards each corner, representing Saint Vincent’s political stability and fidelity to its international obligations.
The colors used in this national flag have deep historical significance for Saint Vincent and its people. Blue represents hope, trust, faithfulness, wisdom and justice; yellow symbolizes sunshine, joy and happiness; green stands for vegetation, life and abundance; while black signifies strength, endurance and resilience. Together these colors represent unity among all citizens on this island nation regardless of their race or ethnicity.
The national flag serves as an important reminder that all citizens must strive for peace, justice and prosperity within Saint Vincent while working towards regional integration with neighboring Caribbean countries. It also reminds us that we must honor our past while looking towards our future with optimism as we work together towards sustainable development within our nation.
Presidents of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The president of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the titular head of state and is appointed by the Prime Minister. The current president is Dr. Susan Dougan, who was sworn in on October 9, 2019. She succeeded her predecessor, Sir Frederick Ballantyne, who served as president from 2002 to 2019.
Dr. Dougan was born in St. Vincent and raised in Barrouallie where she attended the local school before going on to pursue her higher education at the University of West Indies and Harvard University. She has a long history of public service having served as a lawyer for over 30 years in St. Vincent and Grenadines as well as internationally for organizations such as UNESCO and UNICEF.
Prior to becoming President, Dr Dougan held a number of other prominent positions including High Court Judge; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education; Chairman of the Electoral Commission; Member of Parliament; Ambassador to Japan and France; Chairperson of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ); Chairperson of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body; Member-at-Large for CARICOM Heads-of-Government Conference; Special Envoy for CARICOM Heads-of-Government Conference; Member – at – Large for CARICOM Heads -of – Government Conference etc.
Dr. Dougan’s commitment to public service has been recognized by numerous awards including an honorary doctorate from UWI Cave Hill Campus, Fellowship from The Commonwealth Association for Public Administration & Management (CAPAM), Knight Commander Order Of The British Empire (KBE) conferred by Queen Elizabeth II etc., making her one of the most accomplished presidents in Saint Vincent and Grenadines’ history.
Prime Ministers of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the Head of Government and leads the executive branch of the country. The current Prime Minister is Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who was first elected in 2001 and has been re-elected three times since then.
Dr. Gonsalves was born in St. Vincent, educated at St. Vincent’s Grammar School and went on to pursue his higher education at the University of West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Harvard Law School, and Oxford University. He has a long history of public service, having served as a lawyer for over 30 years in St. Vincent and Grenadines as well as internationally for organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF and OAS.
Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Dr Gonsalves held a number of other prominent positions including Member of Parliament; Member – Executive Committee; Leader – People’s Political Party; Attorney General; Minister – Ministry Of Legal Affairs & Foreign Affairs; Chairman – Commonwealth Association Of Public Administration & Management (CAPAM); Chairman – Organization Of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); Chief Negotiator For The Windward Islands In The Negotiations For An Economic Union With Trinidad & Tobago etc., making him one of the longest serving prime ministers in Saint Vincent and Grenadines’ history.
Throughout his time as Prime Minister, Dr Gonsalves has focused on developing infrastructure, increasing access to health care services, promoting economic diversification through agriculture and tourism development projects, providing educational opportunities for all citizens regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds etc., thus making him a popular leader among his people.