ULP still short of reaching ‘Mount Zion’ PM Gonsalves

Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves last Sunday November 24, 2024, boasted that he has never had to remove a minister in his Cabinet or had a minister resigning from office over the many years of the Unity Labour Party being in office. He was addressing delegates during the open session at the Unity Labour Party’s 26th Annual Conference of Delegates held at the Campden Park Secondary School (Bethel High School).

He said that in each government in the Caribbean, there is a pattern where an individual either resigns from the Cabinet or is dismissed by the prime minister. However, where the Unity Labour Party (ULP) is concerned, Gonsalves said over its 24 years in office, he has consistently maintained a record of not firing any ministers or experiencing any resignations.

“We maintain our stability, we revitalize the party, and we maintain the government’s stability, ensuring that any investor can confidently say, ‘this is a stable government we can do business with.’ Don’t underrate that political stability.”

Speaking of his government’s achievements since attaining office in March, 2001, the ULP Leader said, “We have achieved much over the past 20-plus years, yet we have not arrived at Mount Zion…we require a sixth term. Despite the limitations, we are far better today in every aspect of life, living, and production.”

He pointed out that due to the rise in wealth, SVG is progressing positively under the ULP.

“…we will all experience dissatisfaction in life, but when you think about it, remember also the immense satisfaction and know that the future is more promising under the ULP.”

In his almost two-hour long address, the ULP Leader touched on such issues as education and infrastructure, emphasizing that numerous challenges remain to be overcome before achieving the ultimate goal represented by Mount Zion.

“There are many who will continue after me in this great party, and I know you will give labour a sixth term; there is no other alternative. They will get six in their tail. Labour is working,” he said, reminding delegates of the ULP’s aim at the next general elections, constitutionally due in November, 2025.

Taking a swipe at the Opposition New Democratic Party, Gonsalves asserted that following the sixth political victory at the polls in 2025, the NDP would be effectively finished as a political party.

“Is it feasible for [Dr Godwin] Friday to exert control over Bramble, Leacock, and Bruce? Bruce exhibits characteristics that suggest he may be on the verge of an explosive reaction. What is required is stability,” Gonsalves told scores of cheering delegates.

“Our enemies over the past 24 years, despite their attempts to do us in, we are still better off than we were yesterday. The ULP is stronger today than it has ever been, and in 2025, we will achieve a victory similar to that of 2001 because we bring energy, vision, and skill…we have the ability to not only inspire, but also bring out the best in our people. The opposition lacks this vision … all they do is make empty statements,” the ULP political leader added.

He warned that “a small segment of young individuals exists among us, and it is essential to redirect them from historical influences towards a more promising future represented by Mount Zion. That means the family, the church, and all of us have a role to play in pulling out this genius among our people.”