KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – Vincentians should separate political partisanship from matters relating to the personal health of citizens.
Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace made the point yesterday as he expressed “disgust’ at some of the comment made about New Democratic Party (NDP) radio talk show host Eduardo “E.G.” Lynch, whose eyesight is deteriorating.
Lynch, who hosted the NDP’s “New Times” radio programme for 11 years, appeared on the show last week to appeal for donation to help fund his health care.
Some persons have since accused the NDP of abandoning Lynch, even as others, including Deputy House Speaker Sen. David Browne, have suggested that supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) should help their own members before helping Lynch.
“We are in the process of helping Mr. Lynch to deal with his illness and we are continuing this process during this week,” Eustace said on radio yesterday, noting that anyone can fall ill at anytime.
“It is not necessarily something that you have any control over. But at least, as Vincentians, we should have the humanity to forget about political divisions or partisanships on matter relating to the health of any citizen of this country of ours.”
Eustace said he found some of the comments that have been made about Lynch and his health to be “really disgusting to hear”.
“And I wonder what our society is coming to. I really wonder. I remember when the Prime Minister was in his accident … Mr. Lynch spent almost the entire programme that morning in support and showing his concern. And that is how it is suppose to be. This has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with Vincentians and it has to do with the fact that we are human and we should always remember that.”
Eustace said he hoped persons who have made statements indicating lack or concern or their hope that Lynch’s position would worsen “take some time this morning to reflect on the statements that are being made”.
“I really find it disgusting and to a large extent inhuman to behave like that. We don’t all have to support the same political party. We have a constitutional right to support any party that any of us feels to support. But when it comes to our humanity, that is a different matter, an entirely different matter altogether,” Eustace said.