Opposition Leader wants PM to answer questions about alleged corruption

Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace has asked Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves seven questions pertaining to allegations of official corruption.

The letter (below), which makes specific reference to recent reports of the director of audit and the resignation of the High Court registrar, calls on Gonsalves to “clear the air” on these matters and take the necessary legal action.{{more}}

Eustace, who said he had sent the letter to the Prime Minister yesterday, read it on the New Times radio programme on Nice Radio yesterday.

Commenting on the letter, the Opposition Leader said: “The image of our country on matters of corruption is increasingly being tarnished.”

He said the issue of corruption is now at the top of the agenda for many persons, both here and abroad, and for governments with whom we have relations.

“These are important factors for the future development of St Vincent and the Grenadines and they are not to be taken lightly….

“The Prime Minister has to respond. You are elected by the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines to manage the affairs of this country and it is on your watch that this corruption is taking place, and an end must be put to it. Answer the questions, Prime Minister!” Eustace declared.

Gonsalves, when contacted by SEARCHLIGHT yesterday, confirmed receipt of the letter and said he would answer the Opposition Leader in writing, during the course of this week.

“Eustace’s letter is entirely misconceived,” he said.

“I will reply to him and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines would see that, particularly on the issue regarding the registrar, that he needs to be properly advised. I will answer and I will advise him appropriately in writing,” the Prime Minister said.

“In so far as the matter concerning persons who may breach the security with a foundation document like the birth certificate, as you are aware, there are one or two instances where that has happened and those persons have been brought to court. If Mr Eustace has information in that regard, which has not been brought to the attention of the police, he should make that information available. But anytime there is any breach of any document, the police, or the immigration authorities proceed to the court, as we have had in one or two instances. By the way this is not the only place where there is document fraud,” Gonsalves said.

“Eustace is entirely ill advised. He should be properly advised. He should seek proper advice and understanding of these issues, and it would be made clear from my communication. What Eustace is doing is pure demagoguery, playing politics.”

Gonsalves said this is another attempt by Eustace to throw smoke in people’s eyes, but it would not work.