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St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Quick Facts

Population:	108,000
Land area:	389 square Km
Capital:	Kingstown
Language(s):	English
Local Currency:	East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Exchange:	US$
UNDP Human Development Rank:	88 of 177
Life Expectancy:	71.1
Adult Literacy rate:	88.1
Official Government website:	http://www.gov.vc/

Government

Governor General - Frederick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE, Sir
Prime Minister - Ralph E. GONSALVES
Dep. Prime Minister - Louis STRAKER
Min. of Agriculture, Lands, & Fisheries - Girlyn MIGUEL
Min. of Commerce & Trade - Louis STRAKER
Min. of Education, Youth, & Sports - Mike BROWNE
Min. of Finance - Ralph E. GONSALVES
Min. of Foreign Affairs - Louis STRAKER
Min. of Grenadine Affairs & Legal Affairs - Ralph E. GONSALVES
Min. of Health & the Environment - Douglas SLATER
Min. of Information - Ralph E. GONSALVES
Min. of Labor - Ralph E. GONSALVES
Min. of National Security, the Public Service, & Airport Development - Vincent BEACHE
Min. of Planning & Economic Development - Ralph E. GONSALVES
Min. of Social Development, Cooperatives, the Family, Gender Affairs, & Ecclesiastical Affairs - Selmon WALTERS
Min. of Telecommunications, Science, Technology, & Industry - Jerrol THOMPSON
Min. of Tourism & Culture - Rene BAPTISTE
Min. of Transport, Works, & Housing - Julian FRANCIS
Attorney General - Judith JONES-MORGAN
Ambassador to the US - Ellsworth JOHN
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York - Margaret Hughes FERRARI

Public Holidays: New Year's Day (1 January); National Heroes' Day (14 March); Good Friday; Easter Monday; May Day (5 May); Whit Monday; CARICOM Day (first Monday in July); Carnival Tuesday (day after CARICOM Day); Emancipation Day (01 August); Independence Day (27 October); Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December) Holidays that fall on Sunday are celebrated the Monday following

Economic Development

Economic Survey of the Caribbean 2007-2008

According to the survey the economies of the ECCU continued to show positive growth for the sixth consecutive year. In 2007, preliminary data indicated that growth slowed to 5.2% from 6.3% in 2006 as many public and private construction activities geared towards the CWC were completed. In addition there was a significant contraction in the tourism sector, which actually declined by 0.6% in 2007 compared to 6% in 2006. Fuelled by hikes in oil and food prices, especially in the last quarter of 2007, the rate of inflation increased to 6.1% from 1.3% in 2006 and is expected to continue on an upward trend in 2008. Economic growth will continue to slow but remain positive in 2008, projected at 3.8%, mainly influenced by the slowdown in the United States economy and rising international oil, food and other commodity prices.

In 2007 growth was strongest in Anguilla (21%), St Vincent and the Grenadines (6.9%) and Antigua and Barbuda (6.9%) while Hurricane Dean, which struck in August 2007, negatively impacted on the growth rates of Saint Lucia (1.7% compared to 4.9% in 2006) and Dominica (1.8% compared to 3.8% in 2006). Despite the challenge of continuous volcanic activity in Montserrat, the economy grew by 2.8% compared to negative growth of 3.8% in 2006. Intermediate growth of 3% was recorded in both St Kitts and Nevis while growth in Grenada was 4.4%. The main impetus of growth continued to be the construction sector with spill over effects into mining and quarrying, transportation and communication,electricity and water and banks and insurance. Construction activity will remain robust in 2008 driven by the private sector and the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).

Economic Performance for 2006

Sourced from Economic and Financial Review 2006,St.Vincent and the Grenadines 2007 Budget Address,Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: Selected Issues

Though an estimate on the 2006 rate of unemployment has yet to be revealed, St. Vincent’s Prime Minister (Hon. Ralph Gonsalves) maintained that due to higher creation of jobs since 2001, unemployment conditions have been improving. This was somewhat unforeseen, particularly when their agriculture sector (which once accounted for 60% of the workforce in St.Vincent) has been contracting in 2006.

Favourable circumstances with respect to the growth of St.Vincent’s economy are largely attributable to rising levels of tourism, construction, manufacturing and management of fiscal operations. The contribution of these sectors proved to be immeasurable, not only in assisting with increasing the rate of growth but building on the diversification of their economy.

Like most Caribbean economies of 2006, St. Vincent’s increase in construction was caused by the preparation for activities surrounding the Cricket World Cup 2007. Tourism grew by 22.5% compared to the 11.4% decline in 2005, where there was an 80% increase in cruise ship arrivals in that country.

Economic Statistics

St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Statistical Appendix December 2006.

IMF Country Report No. 07/368

Social Development

2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Western Hemisphere)

All men and women desire and deserve to live in dignity and liberty. As President Bush said: "The advance of freedom is the great story of our time." Promoting human rights and democracy is a worldwide phenomenon and there is a growing global discussion of democracy and the universal values protected by democratic governance.

By defending and advancing human rights and democratic principles, we keep faith with our country’s most cherished values and lay the foundation for lasting peace. Fulfilling the promise of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and building vibrant democracies worldwide will take generations, but it is work of the utmost urgency that cannot be delayed.
Source:US Dept. of State

Education