‘Yes’ vote headquarters gets ready for action

The operations centre for the ‘YES’ vote campaign in the November 25 Referendum is expected to open its doors next week.{{more}}

This was disclosed by Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009.

Gonsalves said permission was granted by National Properties, owner of the former Ju-C Building, to use the building located at the corner of James and Granby streets.

The prime minister said a number of persons will be employed at the facility, but he could not say how many.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace is critical that the Government bought the former Ju-C Building a few years ago for $6 million and had never used it until this time.

He also expressed disgust that the Government had decided to use state funds to promote the ‘Yes Campaign’.

He added: “I notice some of the equipment being used is the Party’s equipment. So you are going to take state funds now to contribute to the Party.

“How we are going to know that they are not paying the Party for it (equipment)? They are getting Party contributions that way to carry out this campaign, and their election campaign coming up,” said Eustace, stating that he is of the view that tax payers are now going to have to be paying for part of the campaigns.

When contacted, director of the centre Senator Julian Francis said the usual work carried out in a campaign centre will take place at the centre.

He said this is a national campaign and as a result of this the Unity Labour Party symbol will not be used.

Francis said he believes the proposed constitution is a much improved document than the one that the nation received in 1979.

“I am recommending it to the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines,” Francis emphasized. (HN)