Dr Gonsalves: Searchlight poll helpful

The recent poll conducted by SEARCHLIGHT is regarded with optimism by this country’s Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.{{more}}

“I read that poll with great optimism. Even though it begins by saying that the poll itself is not formal, this does not mean that it does not have a reflection of truth.”

According to the poll, which was published in the October 2nd edition of the paper, of the 602 persons interviewed, 43 were very familiar with the proposed constitutional changes, while 330 were unfamiliar.

157 persons believe that they are well enough informed to vote in the November 25 referendum and 114 out of 276 indicated that they would vote if better informed.

Responding to a question posed by a journalist during a press conference at Cabinet room last week, Gonsalves said that the Vote Yes campaign will educate persons more of the proposed constitution in time for the referendum, giving voters a better understanding of what is required of them.

“That is why we are launching our website, our canvassers, billboards and community meetings, radio and television programs.”

Commenting on statements made by University of the West Indies Lecturer Dr Tennyson Joseph, Gonsalves stated that some of his conjecture “may be right, may not be right.”

Joseph in the same article said that the voters, in saying that they do not understand the issues may be indicating that they are likely to register a No vote.

“I know the hurdle, the mountain that I have to climb; to get two thirds, 67 per cent is steep,” Gonsalves stated.

“But I’m depending on the people. I trust the people. If they do not give the 67 per cent of the vote, we see how much they give.”

When the history of this is written, people will say that this is a remarkable story,” the prime minister said. (JJ)