NDP boycotts House of Assembly

Foreign investments in this country will take a blow in the midst of the rape allegations levied against Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves – more so, because he refuses to step aside until the matter is wholly resolved.{{more}}

This is the contention of Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace, which he noted as he addressed a packed Democrat House yesterday (Thursday 21st) in what was dubbed “a rally for justice.”

The opposition boycotted yesterday’s sitting of parliament in protest of the Prime Minister’s refusal to demit office. In his address to party faithful, Eustace said that the country is developing “a nasty image”, which will affect projects coming into the country.

Eustace also suggested that confidence in the judicial system is being eroded, as the perception is that there are different sets of rules for different people.

“We have a long time before we could get back to some part of normalcy,” he said.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT earlier in the week Eustace said, “We are the laughing stock of the world, the image of the country is being hampered”.

He told SEARCHLIGHT that while he supports the formation of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), what is happening in St Vincent and the Grenadines could make people question whether the CCJ could be tampered with.

Meanwhile, outspoken and often controversial opposition senator, Daniel Cummings, when he addressed the rally, charged that the rights of citizens are steadily being raped.

Meanwhile, Dr Gonsalves, speaking in parliament yesterday, questioned the opposition’s actions, saying that he and his colleagues were prepared to answer the 10 questions that were to be asked of them by the New Democratic Party (NDP) in parliament; which they would have submitted at least 10 days before the sitting of the house.

Earlier last week, the Prime Minister said that while he has had to mention the rape allegations a few times in the last few weeks before delivering addresses at various functions, including an audience he had with Vincentian students studying in Jamaica, he is fine.

He said that the majority of people want him to continue to do his work.

Dr Gonsalves said that while he had originally intended to only stay two terms in office, “Now in all likelihood I will lead the party into the next election.”

The Prime Minister said that a recent check up found him to be in excellent health, with a very stable blood pressure. He told reporters that he continues to maintain his regular Prime Ministerial schedule, including his traveling in the midst of the situation. (KJ)