More than two years before general elections are constitutionally due, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, on Sunday, began a bid for a fifth consecutive term in office for his Unity Labour Party (ULP), telling party supporters that they have an obligation to stop the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP).
“You see this manifesto in 2015, all
“They can make all kinda noise, they want to have
The ULP was announced as winning a fourth consecutive term in office by taking eight of the 15 seats, a repeat of the 2010 results.
“We know that we didn’t thief any election, we know that the elections were free and fair, but they can go ahead,” he said.
“It’s not the first time they come with the same story, they came with that 2010. They try to manufacture evidence in 2010 about me,
Gonsalves was addressing the 23rd national convention of the ULP, which was held under the theme “Preparing The Way: Five Inna Row”.
“The New Democratic Party has no policies, they have no compelling developmental narrative, they are backward, they are selfish and they have a very nasty side – very, very nasty side,” Gonsalves said.
“We have to stay away from them and the NDP had no leadership. And we must not be afraid to talk about leadership. Leadership is important,” said Gonsalves, who has hinted that he will lead the
In his two-hour speech, Gonsalves raised questions about the financing and intention of the recent trip to China by members of the NDP.
The NDP has said that if elected to office, it would break ties with Taipei in
Gonsalves accused the NDP of using its China trip to lay the basis for its economic citizenship programme, an initiative the ULP leader said would never be implemented as long as he is prime minister.
Opposition Leader Godwin Friday told the media last week that the trip explored Chinese investment opportunities in SVG and educational opportunities in China for Vincentians.
Gonsalves spoke of increased opportunities for Vincentians at all levels since the ULP came to office in March 2001.
He also said remuneration for government workers have increased between 60 to 100 per cent.
He reiterated that Vincentians are not better or worse off than anyone.
“We are our own Caribbean people with majesty of history and a trajectory for further development,” Gonsalves said.
“When you have that confidence, I can tell the young people to soar like eagles with your wings unclipped, that nothing is too difficult for you to attain, you can go for it, you can shoot for the stars, keep your feet on the ground and shoot for the stars and that is the case in whatever activity you are, whether you are a student, whether you are an architect, a manufacturer, somebody in farming or somebody in the news business, nobody can hold you back. Don’t let nobody put limits on your own imagination and your capacity to do better,” Gonsalves said.
He said he was giving party supporters “the pathway for you to internalise and lay the basis as we go to the people and say a fifth term — five inna row”.
This doesn’t mean he will run again as PM, only that he will continue to lead the party hoping that his heir apparent, Camillo, regains the popularity he lost over the Yugge Farrell issue.
Obviously, the opinion poll he must have taken showed that the son had tarnished the ULP brand so much that Saboto Caesar was the party supporters’ choice to replace him.
The more important question is who will replace Godwin Friday after the NDP lose five in a row.
Dr Godwin Friday- The Next prime Minister of SVG.
Thank you Dr Gonsalves.
“For Such A Time As This!”
Dr. Godwin Friday & Team NDP
Suggested Theme Slogan for the party going forward.
Godwin Friday is obviously the better man but lacks the funds to buy nad pass out building materials. Very seldom are elections won because of integrity. Today, more than ever, as we see with Barak Obama and Donald Trump, elections are won based on appearance and showmanship. The NDP is not going to win by telling the truth about things. As we see people vote for the liars that promise them milk and honey. If you tell a Vincentian that they can become prosperous by implementing a system that rewards hard work they will instead vote for the guy that promises “free stuff” and rewards for laziness.
Dr. Gonsalves, Crook! Is written all over you. From the bombastic stance in the photograph to the condescending rhetoric. A strong man in power for four consecutive terms winning the last two elections by a seat. The opposition screaming foul. The Nation is holding their breath. You still can’t deliver on almost anything. Of course, here and there you did some good even if they were flukes. But the high tax burden that the ordinary Vincentian has to bear is only increasing. That is why we want our country back. We don’t want to be overrun by Venezualians, Cubans or Mercenaries. We don’t want to change the constitution. You turn Taiwanese development aid into a political weapon. Dr. Gonsalves can you honestly say that you are for all Vincentians? It is time for a different breeze to blow in SVG. It is a time for change. Resign.
May our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ gave our people the common sense and open their eyes and not to vote this Heathen wicked corrupted , communistic , socialist very very Evil man to lead this christian country, nation ever him and his offsprings again!
Christian Brothers and sisters wake up and stand up please.