The former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Honourable Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, has joined The Repair Campaign in the role of Senior Advisor/Elder.
Dr. Gonsalves spent over 30 years as an elected representative, serving as Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for nearly 25 years. He is a leading advocate for reparatory justice for the Caribbean region and has been a consistent voice in calling for recognition of the enduring harm caused by indigenous genocide, the transatlantic trafficking in enslaved Africans and colonial exploitation.
Over the course of his political career, Dr. Gonsalves championed social justice, economic transformation, regional unity and the rights of small island developing states on the global stage.
Commenting on joining The Repair Campaign, Dr. Gonsalves said: “The case for reparatory justice is clear historically, morally, and legally. The Caribbean’s call is not for charity, but for justice and repair so that our people can enjoy the future they deserve – with decent homes for their families, good health, quality education, strong job prospects and fair wages.
“Achieving meaningful reparatory justice for the Caribbean will require the sustained joint efforts of stakeholders at every level. As I enter a new chapter of my public service journey, I am proud to join The Repair Campaign and I look forward to collaborating with the CARICOM Reparations Commission, regional governments, advocacy groups and grassroots campaigners as we strengthen and progress our call for reparations.”
Announcing his appointment today, Denis O’Brien, Founder of The Repair Campaign, said: “Dr. Gonsalves’ decades of political experience will be invaluable in helping to progress the cause of reparatory justice at a critical time. We are at a critical juncture in the fight for reparatory justice. The Repair Campaign is working to put this issue firmly on the agenda of political leaders in both Europe and the Caribbean.
Dr. Gonsalves has decades of leadership, excellent regional insights, and a deep understanding of the development challenges facing the region. His involvement will strengthen The Repair Campaign’s work as we continue to advance practical and evidence-based pathways to repair.”
ENDS
Ralph E. Gonsalves Biography
The Honourable Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, best known as “Comrade Ralph”, is the Leader of the Opposition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Dr. Gonsalves served as Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines from 2001 to 2025, the longest unbroken tenure of any Caribbean prime minister, and one of the longest periods for an elected leader in the world. Dr. Gonsalves led St. Vincent and the Grenadines for more than two decades with a steadfast commitment to social justice, economic transformation, and regional integration.
Dr. Gonsalves is an accomplished scholar, attorney, and legislator. Educated at the University of the West Indies and the University of Manchester, he has authored several books and academic papers on law, governance, and Caribbean political economy. In 2015, he authored ‘The Case for Caribbean Reparatory Justice’, a collection of speeches and essays to mark the launch of the International Decade for People of African Descent. The book reflected Dr. Gonsalves’ long history as one of the leading voices in the Caribbean Community’s quest for reparatory justice for slavery and the genocide of native peoples.
Dr. Gonsalves’ leadership has been marked by major advancements in human development, infrastructure, education, health care, housing, and foreign policy – most notably his advocacy for small-island developing states and his role in elevating St. Vincent and the Grenadines onto the United Nations Security Council.
A respected voice in the Caribbean and the Global South, Dr. Gonsalves has championed climate resilience, economic diversification, and multilateral cooperation. His long and distinguished service has earned him recognition as one of the Caribbean’s most influential political figures, dedicated to the upliftment and empowerment of his people.
