Gonsalves makes case for re-election

Solid programmes and policies, backed by a mixture of experienced and young candidates, guided by a sound leader were advocated by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on Sunday evening as the reasons for re-electing his Unity Labour Party (ULP) to office.{{more}}

“The ULP government has implemented or initiated the implementation of literally hundreds upon hundreds of projects, programmes, and policy measures,” said Gonsalves as he made his point for re-election at a rally held at Calliaqua to announce that Vincentians will go to the polls on December 13.

“We thus rest our case for re-election, in part on the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government’s splendid record of achievement in every area of public policy,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the ULP’s case for re-election did not rest on the significant record alone, but also on the vision for the future, his party’s philosophy, policies and practical programmes.

“Our party’s quality candidates and quality leadership clinch our case for re-election,” Gonsalves said, adding that this was true, based on the context where the opposition lacks any credibility on performance.

Before going on to outline the ULP’s party’s top 10 policies that it intends to focus on if re-elected, Gonsalves told the gathering to remember that the ULP is a people-centred party.

He said a new ULP administration will continue to wage war on poverty, create more jobs and wealth, uplift the communities by properly addressing vital areas of concern, including road repairs, sports and cultural facilities and the completion of the Argyle International Airport.

Gonsalves disclosed that there are also plans in the pipeline to convert the E.T. Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale into a modern city.

The ULP’s political leader touched on the quality of candidates.

“I want to tell you this, what the NDP is bringing on offer is the worst set of candidates by any major party ever put to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Gonsalves said.

“Most of them in the NDP who are running are driven by…arrogance, an undignified quest for power and are on a quest for revenge as a consequence of some personal grievance, real or imagined,” he continued.

Gonsalves said the NDP is seeking office for the wrong reasons.

“These people in the NDP, they offer little or nothing to the people by way of ideas, policies and programmes. By and large, they are consumed by an uncontrollable rage, anger and bitterness, which when combined with an unbridled lust for power represent a real and present danger to the people and our nation,” said Gonsalves.

But most importantly, Gonsalves said the quality of leadership was one of the strongest cases for re-election.

“In all general elections, leadership is necessarily an issue,” he said.

“A leader’s vision and philosophy are important to consider: the clarity of a leader’s ideas, policies, and programmes are of great significance,” said Gonsalves.

He added: “A leader’s history of struggle on behalf of the people is an excellent guide as to his or her love for, and commitment to the people.”

He added that good and effective leaders must have a thorough understanding of the people whom they aspire to lead.

“The leader must provide the framework and craft the opportunities to enhance the people’s strengths and possibilities and reduce as far as is humanly possible their limitations and weaknesses,” Gonsalves said.

“Arnhim come to leadership as an aftermath,” Gonsalves contended, adding that the opposition leader was too negative and timid and lacked the boldness of leadership.

“Every time you meet him he (Eustace) he always have some concern about something. I do not wait for perfect weather that is why I plant and plant boldly and creatively in the interest of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Gonsalves said.

“Arnhim seems to think that because of his privileged class upbringing that somehow St Vincent and the Grenadines owes him leadership.”

“This is a man who meander through the national public service after he retire he came to leadership as an afterthought, hand me down by Mitchell and he want to lead?”

Gonsalves however was of the opinion that Eustace did not have the skill, attitude or all-round orientation to be an effective leader.

The Prime Minister said every leader had to endure time in the wilderness, but according to Gonsalves the opposition leader was yet to experience such a period.

“I in opposition for so many years, beaten on the anvil of experience, forged in the caldron of struggle and when the people saw I was ready, they say ‘take it comrade’.”

“Arnhim will never be ready! He come too late to this business!” Gonsalves said.