(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) At the invitation of Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a four-member CARICOM Referendum Observer Mission observed the National Referendum on the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution Bill 2009 held on Wednesday 25 November 2009.

The main objectives of the Mission were to observe and monitor the conduct of the Referendum and in particular the activities on the polling day including the counting of the ballots. In fulfilling the objectives of the Mission, consultations were held with the Honourable Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House, the Chairman of the New Democratic Party, the Supervisor of Elections and the Police Commissioner. Discussions were held with representatives of the Youth Affairs Department, Trade Unions and the Christian Council. The Mission also paid a courtesy call on the Governor General.

The Mission exchanged views with the OAS Observer Mission before and after the Referendum.

On the polling day the Mission covered 10 out of the fifteen constituencies of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, visiting 69% of polling stations. In general the management of the polling stations was good. The Referendum Officials managed the polls impartially and competently and it was obvious that the voters were adequately informed about the voting procedures. It was evident that the preparatory work undertaken by the Electoral Office was comprehensive and the Officials were appropriately prepared for the tasks.

The day of the referendum was incident free. Voters were generally orderly and patient. There were no signs of intimidation of voters nor was there any campaigning inside and outside of the polling stations.

The CARICOM Referendum Observer Mission is of the view that the results of the Referendum reflected the will of the people and their commitment to the democratic process.

The Observer Mission wishes to complement the people of St. Vincent and The Grenadines for a maintaining an peaceful environment and participating in this historic process.

The Mission will submit its findings, analyses and recommendations in a report to the Secretary General of the CARICOM Secretariat.

The Mission thanks the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for its invitation to observe the Referendum and for the courtesies extended. The Mission also wishes to express appreciation to the Officials and other persons who made time in their busy schedules to meet with the Mission.

Special appreciation is extended to the Supervisor of Elections, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Police Force.

Finally the CARICOM Observer Mission expresses its sincere gratitude to the returning Officers, Presiding Officers, Poll Clerks and last but not least the drivers whose co-operation contributed significantly to the success of the Mission.

Contact: piu@caricom.org