Prime Minister Gonsalves needs to be mindful of what he says
Our Readers' Opinions
February 24, 2015

Prime Minister Gonsalves needs to be mindful of what he says

Editor: The Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Ralph Gonsalves made a statement about Vincentians needing to read more. I agree with the Prime Minister, but on the other hand, the Prime Minister needs to be mindful of what he says and whom he talks about.{{more}}

As the Prime Minister, he needs to lead from in front. I’m not suggesting that he lacks leadership, because we all know he has some kind of leadership skill.

Ever since the Prime Minister came on the political scene, he has always mentioned the importance of the Caribbean civilization; sometimes I wonder if he forgets the importance of the Caribbean civilization being one.

Sometime ago, I asked Hon Dr Gonsalves about a statement that he made on the situation that existed in St Kitts and Nevis before their general elections. The Prime Minister replied to me by saying the situation is for the courts. Why? I thought the Prime Minister could have helped because of the influence he has in the Caribbean. The leader of Team Unity Dr Timothy Harris came to St Vincent and the Grenadines and joined forces with the NDP to express their concern at the Heads of Government meeting which was taking place in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I don’t think he got the response he expected.” The NDP leadership, led by Hon Arnhim Eustace, gave the support that was needed at the time and for that he must be commended.

The leader of Team Unity is St Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister today!

I am wondering what Dr the Hon Gonsalves thinks about this, because he once made a statement saying Dr the Hon Harris came to St Vincent and associated himself with losers — Mr Eustace.

As I previously stated, the Prime Minister must be very careful about what he says, and must take responsibility for his words.

The Opposition Leader today may be Prime Minister in the future. Let me remind Dr Gonsalves that Sir James once said that politics in St Vincent and the Grenadines is an in and out club. That’s why Dr Gonsalves has to be very mindful about what he says about the Hon Arnhim Eustace.

What we heard and saw after the St Kitts and Nevis general elections, let’s hope that doesn’t occur in St Vincent and the Grenadines. To be fair, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Gonsalves did condemn what he heard and saw after the St Kitts and Nevis’ elections.

Why was Prime Minister Dr the Hon Gonsalves so quiet before the general elections in St Kitts and Nevis? Why didn’t the Caricom leaders show support to Dr Harris?

We all know things are easier said than done. Special attention should be paid to the constitutional rights of Ms Findlay Scrubb who is the supervisor of elections. She is a quality person. My advice to the Prime Minister Dr the Hon Gonsalves is to be very cautious about his words in the future.

I am hoping when Dr the Hon Gonsalves loses the upcoming elections that he lets democracy reign.

Kingsley Defreitas