Eustace: Sir James should have informed NDP

Leader of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) Arnhim Eustace said that he had no prior knowledge of talks between his Party founder Sir James Mitchell and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.{{more}}

His disclosure on the New Democratic Party (NDP) New Times programme on NICE Radio yesterday, caused some Party faithfuls to criticise Sir James, with a caller labelling the former Prime Minister “a traitor”.

Eustace told the nation that he first heard of talks between Gonsalves and Sir James concerning the cocoa project while he was on the picket lines, one week ago, when it was announced by Gonsalves in Parliament.

“I want to say very bluntly that the New Democratic Party leadership was unaware of any discussions being held to pass on the cocoa project…. We were not aware of anything of that sort,” said Eustace.

“The meeting itself was a surprise… that there was any discussion or any prior indication that this was going to happen…. I checked with the chairman and others and no one knew,” said Eustace, noting that he does not want the impression to be given that his party was aware of what was taking place.

During the April 5 sitting of the House, Gonsalves disclosed that the Government was in talks with Sir James’ daughter Louise Mitchell-Joseph and officials from Armajaro concerning the project.

The news came as a surprise to many.

During last year’s General Elections campaign, Eustace had announced that a cocoa production company (Armajaro) had expressed interest in investing here, should the NDP win the elections. He made it clear that this was not one of the projects which he had said would come to St. Vincent and the Grenadines exclusively, if the NDP were to win.

Eustace in his broadcast with host of New Times Elwardo Lynch admitted that the cocoa project was the idea of Sir James, this country’s former Prime Minister, and was researched by him (Mitchell) with the assistance of former Chief Agricultural Officer Lennie Daisley.

“There were some projects where I said we had negotiations in Europe and the United States, which we wanted to bring to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but the people were only prepared for it if we were in office. The cocoa project was never one of those. This was a project after some investigation and contact by Sir James, he proposed to the party and the party accepted it,” said Eustace.

“Sir James did not contact the New Democratic Party when he made any contact with Dr. Gonsalves. But since that was one of our major projects, I think at least the Party should have known that contact was made,” said Eustace.

Eustace further stated that the party accepted the proposal because they believed it would be beneficial to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as an addition to the agricultural diversification programme.

He added that, notwithstanding the fact that the project may go forward under the leadership of a Gonsalves-led government, he is still in support of it.

Eustace noted that although he was not happy with the way in which the matter was handled by Sir James, he still wanted to see the project proceed, even though it was previously ridiculed by the Unity Labour Party administration.

“The New Democratic Party has no objection to the project. I have no objection to the project if the project can be continued because I believe the farmers of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will benefit and the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will benefit. And therefore, by extension, the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will benefit.”