THE EXECUTIVE and the general membership of the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations is shocked and deeply saddened by the recent assault on Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines by what appears to be an angry protester. It is never a good sight to see such hate enacted against any individual and in particular a head of state. This form of action must unequivocally never be accepted as a common norm in times of protest or any other situation.

Whilst the CFPWA understands the cause of the protest and supports a peaceful protest, we also must remind persons that all rights come with responsibilities. The CFPWA whilst not opposed to vaccination, we cannot support mandatory vaccination as it goes against the fabric of our long-established constitutional rights. We believe that everyone has the right to make a conscious decision as to what goes inside their body. The CFPWA also wants to bring your attention to Article 7 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights which states: “No one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In particular, no one shall be subjected without his free consent to medical or scientific experimentation.” It is to be noted that we are now in phase 3 of clinical trials of the vaccine that were approved for emergency use.

The right of the citizens to peaceful protest is one that over centuries has shaped our nation, the region and by extension the world. We must reiterate that with all rights, there comes to assume responsibilities.

We unequivocally condemn the assault on the Prime Minister and any citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and look forward to the culprit being brought to justice.

It is our firm belief that no one should be targeted or harmed for their position on this important issue. We affirm our institutional commitment to, and call for, respect for all. We must dedicate ourselves to advancing learning and working environment that supports the intellectual development, flourishing, sense of belonging, and freedom of expression and conscience of all citizens. In a society striving to achieve these goals, acts of hatred and violence have no place.

The executive and the general membership of the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA) wish Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves a speedy recovery and hope that the person who committed an assault against the Prime Minister be brought to justice.