The Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) says it will by Wednesday announce “the direct course of action” it will take as a result of the arrest of opposition senator, Vynnette Frederick last Thursday.
Frederick was arrested and slapped with nine charges relating to making false declarations, swearing falsely, and fabricating evidence, hours after a magistrate dismissed six charges against her.
“The New Democratic Party, in a day or two, will announce the direct course of action that we will take with regard to this matter,” Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace said on his weekly radio programme on Monday.
“We cannot allow things like this to continue. We cannot allow our freedoms to be eroded. And most of all, we cannot allow our country to be chained,” the NDP president further said.
He said developments like that involving Frederick would cause citizens to question whether there is a judicial system that protects their interest.
This, he said, has social, political and economic implications, including for foreign and local investment.
“I think we need to have a very clear perspective as to how these matters should be settled,” he said, adding that the party will decide its response at an internal meeting on Tuesday.
“I encourage our people to continue to speak on this issue. Vynnette today, it’s you tomorrow … or the next day. We can’t forget that. We must not forget that.
“We look forward to action being taken by as many people as possible to express their dissatisfaction…” Eustace further stated.
“I am calling on all Vincentians to keep your eye focused on this matter. … It is not just about Vynnette; it is about the system of justice in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a system that protects your rights and freedoms, a required under our Constitution. … All of us must be conscious of that.
“I find the matter exceedingly annoying … that you should have an administration in office today that is prepared to disregard our rights, our freedoms,” Eustace further stated.
“We are calling on Vincentians to keep your eyes on the ball and join those who are trying to do something to change the situation which we now face.
“This is not the world that we want. The world out there is hard enough for us to impose self-inflicted wounds. When it comes to your freedoms, when it comes to justice, don’t play games with it. It is too important, too fundamental…” Eustace said.
The charges dismissed on Thursday stem from private complaint that Frederick had made against Prime Minister DR. Ralph Gonsalves after the December 2010 general elections.
She is due in court on July 31 in relation to the charges brought against her Thursday.
I-witness news do you know what these new charges are?
As mentioned in the article, the charges relate to making false declarations, swearing falsely, and fabricating evidence.
Watch out Mr Eustace, remember the fat mans yard boy once threatened to call out the ULP dogs, the ULP soldiers, and his boss told us that his yard boy has more money at his command than the state of SVG.
KICK ASS ARNHIM. SOMEBODY GOT TO BE FOCUSSED….RALPH MUST STEP DOWN…..DONT WAIT FOR ELECTIONS.
Laughing until I cried at the opposition and Arnhim Useless in particular…another empty bluster!!! lolololol
Sometimes I wonder who is really advising the NDP. Now this arrest took place when? Mr Eustace,who was on the spot when Ms Frederick was arrested;had the whole weekend to think about it, but yet Mr Eustace is telling me to wait until Wednesday to hear a response from the NDP…IT IS THIS SORT OF NONSENSE WHY FOLKS ARE SO CRITICAL OF MR EUSTACE LEADERSHIP.
JULES IS COMING!JULES IS COMING!GET OUT THE WAY!
It’s funny that your critical of Mr. Eustace’s words, but your not critical of Gonsalves ACTIONS!.
What “actions” are you speaking of? Generally speaking,I have been very critical of Gonsalves and his Administration, so I am not sure what you are talking about.
I am critical of Eustace in this instance, as it is absolute nonsense that the NDP will wait five days to formulate a response in regards to Ms Frederick’s arrest. A simple release of an official statement from the NDP, within hrs of the arrest,would have suffice.
All this drama over Ms Frederick is totally misplace. Ms Frederick allegedly committed a crime and you have to let the courts decide if Ms Frederick is innocent of the alleged crime. The OECS court of appeal rejected Ms Frederick application to have the case dismissed, this tells me there is sufficient evidence for at least the case to be heard in a court of law. Its up to Ms Frederick and her legal team to put forward a defense. The NDP folks would like us all to believe that what is taking place with Ms Frederick is totally unfair and she has done nothing wrong at all. Well this is not quite true, Ms Frederick is being charged with PERJURY, AN OFFENSE IF FOUND GUILTY COULD RESULT IN JAIL TIME OR THE VERY LEAST, DISBARMENT IN THE CASE OF MS FREDERICK.The DPP didn’t wake up one morning and say I am going to charge Ms Frederick with Perjury out of the blue;no,this came about due to the actions of Ms Frederick in her effort to bring certain charges against Gonsalves.
Now do I believe all these charges against Ms Frederick is being motivated by political and personal malice, ABSOLUTELY- but its the same motivation that lead Ms Frederick to bring the charges against Gonsalves in the first place.
So what we have here are political entities from both sides of the political aisle in SVG trying to use the courts for their own misguided political and personal agenda, irrespective of our weak the cases are. The problem with this, is that Gonsalves is simply a better legal tactician at this game than the NDP and their legal team. The problem is not the judicial system, its that the NDP have been continuously shooting themselves in the foot where legal matters are concern and Gonsalves have been taking them to the cleaners.Granted I have been critical of Gonsalves running to the courts every Monday morning suing folks on the radio…but I also recognized that the folks on the radio were ignorant of the laws of the land and they figured they can say anything on the public airwaves that comes to mind…Gonsalves simply knows the legal game better than his opponents. It is what it is.
I have faith in the judicial system in Vincyland and I suspect that Ms Frederick will have a fair hearing on the basis of the evidence presented by the State and the defense put forth.
What is the NDP going to tell its supporters in regards to Ms Frederick? I can only imagine…
Well said, couldnt put it better. How come Peter B nose self appoint some crap aint respond?
So,all your anger towards the NDP and Mr. Eustace in particular,is based on the fact the NDP didn’t issue a statement on the matter, in a timely manner. So,I will have to assume that you like a rush to judgment, rather than taking your time, gather the relevant facts and information, before making an informed statement. You wanna be first, instead of been right.
I like how UUS with guns, along with CID and police officers coming to arrest one woman having lunch, without a warrant, (actions) is a “misplace drama” as you put it. I wonder if this was your family member, if your views would be the same.
As far as I know, Ms Frederick six charges where dismissed by a magistrate. These new charges, six are similar to the ones dismissed and three are new.(actions) If that doesn’t tell you something, then your not from SVG or living in SVG.
“Their own misguided political and personal agenda”, seems to me only one side keeps playing that game, never before in this country has a PM sued so many different people. What’s worse even when he loses, he doesn’t pay. Apt markus.(actions)
“Gonsalves is simply a better legal tactician”, or does he have the right people in the right places. If you don’t believe me ask the DPP. Cases against Ralph don’t make it to court, cases for Ralph make it to court, even when previously dismissed by a magistrate. (actions)
“Faith in the judicial system in vincyland”, what a joke, you must be a card carrying member.
Yo Camillo, are you saying, you do not have faith in the Judicial system of St Vincent and the Grenadines? Have you given up on Ms Frederick? What kind of supporter are you?
I have faith in the system and I suspect with a proper defense, Ms Frederick could beat these charges. I think the DPP for the most part is overreaching and will have a hard time to meets its burden of proof. The one concern I have with these charges, is the alleged fabrication of evidence, that is the one charge that Ms Frederick and her legal team will have to be at their “Perry Mason” best.
So Camillo, for all your blustering, it sounds as though you are not really a patriot, are you a NDP acolyte and Eustace apologist?
No card carrying here, but have voted and will vote for the NDP in the next election. But that doesn’t mean the NDP is off limits from my criticism;only sycophants behave in this manner…are you a sycophant Camillo?
I am simply an equal opportunity critic.