Bacchus just playing politics – Eustace

Comments by social activist Junior Bacchus that the New Democratic Party (NDP) is not doing enough to help save Nice Radio have been described as a “red herring”.{{more}}

President of the NDP Arnhim Eustace said on the New Times radio programme on Monday that Bacchus is just playing “politics”.

“We have been in contact all over trying to raise funds. I am not going to get into any dispute over somebody’s views as to whether we have done more or less,” Eustace said.

“We are interested in helping Nice Radio,” he added.

Eustace, who is also Leader of the Opposition, further said he has personally made countless contacts overseas and locally to help raise money.

“And I know that a substantial amount of the contributions that have been made have come from people who we have contacted.

“So, I’m not getting into this thing… they’re looking for all sorts of little things.

“It’s just politics,” Eustace stated.

Nice Radio is at risk of closing because of a court ruling on comments made by former host of the NDP’s “New Times” programme, Elwardo “E.G.” Lynch about Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

On January 15, Junior Bacchus, a social activist, told SEARCHLIGHT he was disappointed in the NDP for not playing a more active role in helping to co-ordinate some of the functions of the appeal.

The appeal is trying to raise the $250,000 the court awarded Gonsalves.

“I can’t see a party not being able to convince its vast membership to co-ordinate an activity that will bring a result. I can’t see why they can’t do that,” Bacchus told Searchlight.

To date, the save Nice Radio appeal has raised EC$138,000. (AA)