Camillo says he’s ready

Camillo Gonsalves, son of Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, feels that were it not for his surname, there would be no objection to his appointment as this country’s Ambassador to the United Nations.{{more}}

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Gonsalves detailed his qualifications and diplomatic experience, noting that he has been part of Vincentian diplomatic delegations to Libya, Ethiopia, Venezuela, South Korea and has represented this country at several high level CARICOM meetings.

He asked if people want him to be idle. “I wonder if it is preferable to some that I do nothing, that I be nothing, because my father is Ralph Gonsalves,” Camillo said, adding forcefully that he has worked hard and qualified himself.

Opposition leader Arnhim Eustace has condemned Camillo’s appointment and has levied charges of nepotism against the government.

“I don’t think that nepotism is a serious charge when the person is qualified,” said Gonsalves.

Camillo also told journalists that he was approached by Sir Louis and Sir Vincent about the opportunity during the Caricom heads of government meeting hosted here in February.

He said that he knows for a fact that the idea did not originate with his father, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Camillo has degrees from Temple University, and the George Washington University, and also studied at the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica.

Noting that his parents, both children of uneducated farmers have worked hard, qualified themselves, and made life easier for him, Camillo said that he is grateful and recognizes his obligation to serve the public.

“Is it better that I continue a life of relative comfort, living off the fat of my father, I don’t think that that will be an honorable course of action.” Camillo said. (KJ)