The Party Leader and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are saddened by the events that unfolded on Thursday, when the Honorable Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was physically assaulted and wounded by protesters. We condemn this act of violence and call for the perpetrator(s) of this crime to be brought to justice.
We believe it is important for all political leaders to impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence and to respect democratic institutions, processes and the rule of law. As such, the NDC calls on all stakeholders and the people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to remain calm, exercise restraint, utilize dialogue and peaceful means of protest, and avoid all acts that could contribute to instability in your country.
We of the NDC observe with growing concern, the increasing dissent here at home and in the wider Caribbean to the imposition of mandatory vaccination in various forms. The NDC urges the Government of Grenada and indeed all CARICOM governments, to adopt a consultative approach, involving representatives of Government, the private sector and workers, in solving the various social and economic challenges brought on by Covid-19. Covid-19 has already visited enough hardship on our people. It must not now result in them having to choose between earning a living and being vaccinated. In addition to greater consultation, our government need to enlist the support of more partners in its efforts to quell the spread of disinformation on Covid-19 and the vaccine.
The NDC expresses our continued solidarity with Prime Minister Gonsalves and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We reaffirm our commitment to advancing the fundamental principles of participatory democracy to ensure that citizens are afforded an opportunity to participate or otherwise be involved in decision making on matters that affect their lives. At the same time, we advance the idea that constructive, healthy dialogue usually leads to productive development and compromise, making us all stronger.
We wish Prime Minister Gonzalves a speedy and complete recovery following Thursday’s unfortunate event.