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 29 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 29 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 was born on August 8, 1946. He is a politician from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He has been the Prime Minister of his country since 2001. He is also the leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP).
Mr. Gonsalves is the longest-serving Prime Minister since Saint Vincent became an independent country in 1979. He became Prime Minister after his party, the ULP, won the election in 2001. The ULP was formed when two other parties joined together.
Gonsalves has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of North Central Windward since 1994. In 1994, when the Unity Labour Party was created, he became its deputy leader. He then became the party's leader in 1998.
With Gonsalves as leader, 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.
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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 and then St. Vincent Grammar School. He studied at the University of the West Indies, where he earned a degree in economics. He later got a master's degree in government from the same university in 1971. In 1974, he earned a doctorate degree in government from the University of Manchester. Gonsalves also became a lawyer in London in 1981.
Political Career and Leadership
Gonsalves started getting involved in politics while at university. He was the president of the University of West Indies' student government. In 1968, he led a student protest.
In 1994, Gonsalves became the deputy leader of the Unity Labour Party. He became the party's main leader in 1998. From December 1999 to January 2001, he was the leader of the opposition. This means he was the main voice against the ruling party.
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.
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In 2009, Gonsalves and his party wanted to change the country's constitution. They proposed removing the Queen as head of state and having a president instead. However, the people voted against these changes in a referendum. Gonsalves still believes the country should have a president.
In November 2017, Gonsalves gave the role 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 countries in the Caribbean. 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 and his party.
Gonsalves attended the coronation of King Charles III in London on May 6, 2023. He met with the King and other leaders from the Commonwealth.
Gonsalves helped arrange a meeting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This meeting was between the presidents of Venezuela and Guyana. They met to talk about a disagreement between their two countries. Gonsalves asked them to calm the situation and talk things through.
Personal 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. The protest was about health rules. He was taken to the hospital for his head injury.
International Awards
Ralph Gonsalves has received several important awards from other countries:
Argentina :
Grand Cross of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín (2013)
Cuba :
Order of José Marti (2022)
Japan :
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (2024)
Taiwan :
Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon (2003)
See also
In Spanish: Ralph Gonsalves para niños
