Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have never participated with any type of contribution in UN peacekeeping operations.
Initial variables of the data collection process:
UN/UN peacekeeping policy reform
During the 51st General Assembly meeting, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stated the following about the UN reform: “Unfortunately the reformation of the UN is moving at a snail’s pace which frustrates its work, undermines its efficacy, and damages its credibility” (Gonsalves 2006, par. 2).
Initial variables of the data collection process:
UN/UN peacekeeping policy reform
During the 51st General Assembly meeting, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stated the following about the UN reform: “Unfortunately the reformation of the UN is moving at a snail’s pace which frustrates its work, undermines its efficacy, and damages its credibility” (Gonsalves 2006, par. 2).
Perception of peacekeeping
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have a positive perception of peacekeeping. This is stated on the permanent representative’s speech stating: “Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is pleased to see Haiti’s restoration to democracy” (Ibid., par. 1).
Domestic political environment
Like many other Caribbean countries, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has fallen victim to drug-related crime (BBC 2006ax, par. 2). Efforts have been made to tackle marijuana cultivation (Ibid.). The country has taken steps to curb money-laundering, and a Paris-based organization dedicated to tackling the issue has removed Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from its list of non-cooperative countries (Ibid.). Thus, it is very important for the government to focus on internal issues before trying to engage in peacekeeping issues abroad.
Domestic economic environment
Like other islands in the Windwards, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has tried to reduce its reliance on banana exports after the EU phased out preferential treatment to producers from former colonies (Ibid., par. 3). Efforts to diversify the economy have been partially successful (Ibid.). Tourism is said to have great potential and there are plans to build an international airport (Ibid.). But the banana crop remains vital, accounting for around a third of export earnings. At this time, the government has not sought employment for its citizens as peacekeepers.
Military affairs
There are no armed forces except those of the police force and coast guard (Thomson 2006s, par. 7). The Eastern Caribbean Regional Security System, which includes Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, provides for joint coast-guard operations, military exercises, and disaster contingency plans (Ibid.).
Foreign policy
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines states that it has been benefiting from a closer integration network through the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (Gonsalves 2006, par. 9). Further, countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, Malaysia and Taiwan among others, have especial and data collection process relations with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Ibid.). Those countries do not have a high level of participation in UN peacekeeping operations, thus it is expected that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will not have it either. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became a member of the United Nations on September 1980 and belongs to several international organizations (Thomson 2006s, par. 7).
Additional variables found after the preliminary analysis:
Climate changes
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines advocate for changes in international policy to address issues of climate change.
Independent negotiations taken by DPKO to seek troops
No record.
Independent negotiations taken by contributor countries to engage non-contributor countries
No record.
Meetings organized by other international organizations to engage in dialogue about peacekeeping
No record.
