PM looking for Turkey business

Tourism investments and scholarships were occupying Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves’ mind as he left for Turkey last Tuesday.{{more}}

He insisted that he isn’t bothered by the ongoing rape scandal that has been following him for close to two months.

Dr Gonsalves told SEARCHLIGHT that he wouldn’t be sidetracked by the ongoing situation because he has a country to lead.

The Prime Minister noted that Turkey is the country with the fifth largest economy, and a population of 80 million, so he deemed it very important for him (Dr Gonsalves) to be invited there on an official state visit.

“This is part of our strategy, as we continue to build new relationships…reaching out to new friends,” Dr Gonsalves said.

Dr Gonsalves said that he is looking forward to attracting tourism investments, and also to promote St Vincent and the Grenadines as a holiday destination.

He reiterated his desire to see Vincentians get scholarships to study in various parts of the world, Turkey included.

Dr Gonsalves, however, commented on FM radio call in programme “Shake Up” about Justice Gertel Thom’s decision not to grant his accuser leave to seek judicial review of DPP Colin Williams’ decision to discontinue the rape charges.

“There are some people who only respect the (legal) process when they get a result that they like,” Dr Gonsalves said.

He alluded to the situation that while DPP Williams’ decision was questioned, with aspersions of bias, but wondered what would be said about Justice Thom’s decision.

“You can’t cherry pick the (legal) system like that…but I have my work to do,” Dr Gonsalves said.

Dr Gonsalves is accompanied on the Turkey trip by his wife Eloise, Ambassador to the United Nations Camillo Gonsalves, and High Commissioner to London Cenio Lewis, who replaced National Investment Promotions Incorporated Chairman Edmond Jackson on the mission.

Jackson, Dr Gonsalves said, had to withdraw from the team because of the sudden illness of his daughter.

Inspector Christopher Benjamin, the Prime Minister’s chief security officer, also accompanied Dr Gonsalves.

The Prime Minister returns to the state on Monday, March 17. (KJ)