Credit: Gary Raynaldo / ©Diplomatic Times  /  Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is all smiles as he speakis to the press outside the General Assembly Hall after nation’s election to UN Security Council June 7, 2019 world headquarters New York. 

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC TIMES

UNITED NATIONS  –   Southern Caribbean nation St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a small island nation of  some 100,000 folk. It now has the distinction of being the smallest nation ever to garner a seat on the powerful United Nations Security Council.  Following a secret ballot held on Friday, the UN General Assembly elected five countries to the Security Council, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the smallest nation ever to secure a seat. Also elected were Estonia, Niger, Tunisia, Viet Nam.  Tiny St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a big profile now in the global arena. 

“St. Vincent Grenadines views this as a historic occasion. We are the smallest country ever to be elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. We stand steadfast on the fundamental principles of this organization which is founded in the  aftermath of the Second World War to bring about peace and security. We are committed to the principle of the equality of states, interference and non intervention in the internal affairs of other countries. Defense of sovereignty and independence and for overall sustainable development.”

-Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

©Diplomatic Times  /  Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

El Salvador shook up the UN General Assembly electoral process late Thursday by announcing it would be a last-minute candidate for a seat, challenging St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Some observers speculated El Salvador entered the  race at a late stage due to St. Vincent and the Grenadines policy supporting dialogue with the Venezuela government of Nicolas Maduro.  St Vincent and the Grenadines won the seat 185 to 6.

The Prime Minister said his nation is very concerned about the security consequences of adverse climate change. “We intend to work very closely with the other members of the Security Council. The civilizations of the Caribbean and Latin America have historically sought to build a unity and in this regard I would like especially to reach out to the people of El Salvador and the government together a competitive election but that’s over. The business of doing the  work in the interest of all peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, all America, and  to work with other countries across the world to enable peace and security.  United Nations has its weaknesses it has  its limitations but it has profound strengths and possibilities which are displayed daily.”

©Diplomatic Times  /  Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, surrounded by diplomatic staff members.

According to a UN Security Council Report, St Vincent and the Grenadines is likely to take a special interest in the situation in Venezuela and Haiti. 

“Given its involvement in regional dialogue efforts in Venezuela, St. Vincent and the Grenadines may also want to be active in the Council’s engagement on the issue,” according to Security Council Report.