‘Unprincipled non-state operators in Europe seeking to pollute” elections in SVG – PM Gonsalves

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, told the United Nations (UN) General Assembly a few days ago that entities in the international sphere are seeking to pollute democracy and interfere with elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

“Today, as I speak, my government and my people have another challenge from the nefarious activities of the agents of a rising, or risen, hegemon from another hemisphere, and from some greedy, unprincipled non-state operators in Europe, acting in concert, seeking to pollute, and interfere in, our democracy, our free and fair elections which are scheduled to be held later this year,” Dr. Gonsalves said on Friday, September 26, 2025, as he addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.

He said conduct of this nature is unacceptable and hugely injurious to the people of SVG. The claim by the Prime Minister was made as he spoke of disrespect being shown to this multi-island nation by a “hegemon”.

“Your Excellencies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, like all countries globally, have been shaped by our history and geography, our nature and neighbours, our extant circumstances and our dreams for a better future,” the PM told the gathering of world leaders and political figures.

Speaking at the first UN General Assembly since President Donald Trump was elected to office, the PM noted that SVG carries the benefits and burdens of its geographic location, near to the greatest economic, military, scientific, and culturally-dominant power the world has even seen.

“St. Vincent and the Grenadines is where it is, it cannot be lifted up and taken to Vladivostok or the mouth of the Amur River.

“Yet, as a free and independent people, we have the right to pursue peacefully and securely our quest for shared prosperity without domination, interference or intervention from any of our neighbours or from any power that comes from afar,” he pointed out.

“ Among other things, we have the right to choose our friends so long in doing so, we do not engage in any action, singly or jointly with others, to the detriment or subversion of the peace, security, and well-being of any other state.

“But my country’s right in this regard is being disrespected, not by any of our neighbours, but by a rising, or risen, hegemon from elsewhere, far away from our hemisphere,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

While the Prime Minister did not mention the alleged “hegemon” by name, there is speculation that he was referring to mainland China.

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