NDP protesters boo, jeer GG outside House of Assembly

Boos and jeers by protesters drowned out the music of the National Anthem outside Parliament yesterday, as New Democratic Party (NDP) supporters called for the resignation of Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, along with fresh elections.

The protesters booed Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves on his arrival and even booed Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, as he inspected the guard of honour.

Following the inspection, the Opposition members of the House took their seats for the delivery of the Throne Speech by Sir Frederick, but as newly appointed Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves stood to deliver the 2018 Budget address, they stood up and quickly vacated the House of Assembly for the third time in one week.

The Opposition Members of Parliament were greeted with loud cheers from their supporters outside, who had gathered to protest what had transpired in Parliament last week when they were blocked from debating the ‘No Confidence’ motion they had brought against the Government. The walkout and protest were also in reaction to the Finance Minister’s silence on allegations of an affair with model Yugge Farrell.

And, as Gonsalves delivered the over three-hour long Budget address, the honking of horns and loud shouts outside could be heard from within the halls of the House.

Outside, angry protesters waved placards, reading, “Democracy Now, ULP must Go”, “Camillo must resign”, “Justice for Yugge” and “Why ULP block the no confidence vote?”

One protester, who did not give her name, said that she was protesting because she wanted to see the NDP run the country and that the last election had been stolen. Another woman said she wants to see the Minister of Finance resign, as she does not agree with the way the Yugge Farrell issue was dealt with.(LC)