Ralph Gonsalves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ralph Gonsalves
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Gonsalves in 2024
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| 4th Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | |
| Assumed office 28 March 2001 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Governor-General | Charles Antrobus Monica Dacon (Acting) Frederick Ballantyne Susan Dougan |
| Deputy | Girlyn Miguel (2010–2015) Louis Straker (2015–2020) Montgomery Daniel (2020–) |
| Preceded by | Arnhim Eustace |
| Leader of the Unity Labour Party | |
| Assumed office 6 December 1998 |
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| Preceded by | Vincent Beache |
| Chairman of the Caribbean Community | |
| In office 1 July 2020 – 30 December 2021 |
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| Secretary-General | Irwin LaRocque |
| Preceded by | Mia Mottley |
| Succeeded by | Keith Rowley |
| In office 1 January 2014 – 30 June 2014 |
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| Secretary-General | Irwin LaRocque |
| Preceded by | Kamla Persad-Bissessar |
| Succeeded by | Gaston Browne |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 28 March 2001 – 10 November 2017 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself |
| Preceded by | Arnhim Eustace |
| Succeeded by | Camillo Gonsalves |
| Member of Parliament for North Central Windward |
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| Assumed office 1994 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 August 1946 Colonarie, Saint Vincent, British Windward Islands (now Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) |
| Political party | Unity Labour Party |
| Spouse | Eloise Harris |
| Alma mater | University of the West Indies University of Manchester Inns of Court School of Law |
Ralph Everard Gonsalves (born 8 August 1946) is a well-known politician from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He is currently the Prime Minister of his country. He also leads the Unity Labour Party (ULP).
Gonsalves has been the head of government for a very long time. He is the longest-serving leader since Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became an independent country in 1979. He became Prime Minister after his party won the election in 2001. His party, the ULP, was formed when two other parties joined together.
He has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of North Central Windward since 1994. In 1994, he became the deputy leader of the Unity Labour Party. He then became the main leader of the party in 1998.
Under Gonsalves' leadership, the ULP won the most votes in every general election from 1998 to 2015. In 2020, the ULP won the election again. On November 7, 2020, Gonsalves started his fifth term as Prime Minister. He is currently the longest-serving democratically-elected leader in the world.
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Early Life and Education
Ralph Gonsalves is sometimes called "Comrade Ralph." He was born in Colonarie, Saint Vincent. His father, Alban Gonsalves, was a farmer and businessman. His mother, Theresa Francis, was also a businesswoman. His family came to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 1845 from the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Gonsalves went to Colonarie Roman Catholic School. He then attended the St. Vincent Grammar School. Later, he studied at the University of the West Indies. There, he earned a degree in economics. He also got a master's degree in government in 1971. In 1974, he earned a higher degree (a doctorate) in government from the University of Manchester. He also became a lawyer in London in 1981.
Political Journey
Gonsalves started getting involved in politics while at university. He was the president of the University of West Indies' student groups. In 1968, he led a student protest. This protest was against the Jamaican government sending away a historian named Walter Rodney.
In 1994, Gonsalves became the deputy leader of the Unity Labour Party. He became the party's main leader in 1998. From 1999 to 2001, he was the leader of the opposition. This means he was the main voice against the government at the time.
Gonsalves led the Unity Labour Party to win the 2001 general election. He then became Prime Minister and also the Minister of Finance. His party won again in the 2005 and 2010 elections. In the 2010 election, they won by a small margin.
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In 2009, Gonsalves and his party wanted to change the country's constitution. They wanted to remove the Queen as head of state and have a president instead. However, the people voted against these changes in a referendum. Gonsalves still believes in having a president. He has also suggested renaming places that are named after colonial figures.
In November 2017, Gonsalves gave the job of Minister of Finance to his son, Camillo Gonsalves.
On July 3, 2020, Gonsalves was chosen to be the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This is a group of Caribbean nations. His term ended on January 1, 2021.
In November 2020, Ralph Gonsalves made history. His Unity Labour Party won its fifth election in a row. This was a big achievement for him.
Gonsalves attended the coronation of King Charles III in London in May 2023. He met with the King and other leaders from the Commonwealth.
Gonsalves also helped organize a meeting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This meeting was between the presidents of Venezuela and Guyana. The goal was to help them talk and reduce tensions between their countries. The President of Brazil was also invited to this important meeting.
Life Outside Politics
Gonsalves also works as a lawyer. He has written many books and articles. These writings cover topics like the Caribbean, Africa, and how countries develop.
Family Life
Gonsalves has been married twice. His current wife is Eloise Harris. He has two sons from his first marriage, Camillo and Adam. He has one son, Storm, with his second wife. He also has two daughters, Isis and Soleil. His son Camillo followed him into politics and is now the Minister of Finance.
On August 5, 2021, Gonsalves was injured during a protest. He was near the Parliament building when something hit his head. He was taken to the hospital and was in stable condition.
International Awards
Gonsalves has received special awards from different countries:
Argentina :
The Grand Cross of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín (received October 8, 2013)
Cuba :
The Order of José Marti (received May 26, 2022)
Japan :
The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (received August 23, 2024)
Taiwan :
The Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon (received September 9, 2003)
See also
In Spanish: Ralph Gonsalves para niños
