Camillo’s appointment a clear case of nepotism – Eustace

Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace believes that Camillo Gonsalves’ pending appointment as this country’s Ambassador to the United Nation is out of order and is a clear case of nepotism.{{more}}

The eldest son of Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Camillo Gonsalves, 35, is set to replace Margaret Hughes Ferrari by September 1st.

SEARCHLIGHT broke the news of Camillo’s appointment in last week’s newspaper, and in a press conference on Wednesday August 8, Minister of Foreign Affairs, acting Prime Minister Sir Louis Straker officially announced the same.

As he made the announcement flanked by his Cabinet colleagues, Sir Louis said that the entire Cabinet is in strong solidarity with the decision to appoint Camillo.

He accused the Opposition of criticizing every appointment that the Government makes and challenged them to compare Camillo’s resume with that of any diplomat appointed by them when they were in power.

“It doesn’t matter what appointment we make, the Opposition is always there to criticize,” Sir Louis said, adding that they will be critical even if Jesus Christ were appointed.

“I couldn’t do that, I couldn’t appoint my son to a position like that,” said Eustace, as he voiced his disgust of the move.

Eustace said that while he did not dispute Camillo’s intelligence or potential, he believes that there are many more experienced, well qualified persons within the government that could have been appointed in his (Camillo) stead.

“I am sure a lot of people in their own party will be upset and not take this move too nicely,” Eustace said.

While Sir Louis, Camillo, and the Prime Minister himself all categorically claim that the idea of Camillo’s appointment did not originate with him (Dr Gonsalves), Eustace said he is not buying this.

“Tell them to cut the crap, that all started with the Prime Minister,” Eustace said, adding “You can dress it in whatever clothes you want, that is nepotism.”

The incumbent Ambassador Margaret Hughes Ferrari has been Ambassador to the United Nations since September 2001. (KJ)