Hundreds attend ULP anniversary Family Day

Hundreds of people journeyed to Rabacca last Sunday, April 1, to join with the Unity Labour Party (ULP) on the occasion of its 11th year in office.{{more}}

The ULP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, was elected into office on March 28, 2001.

Dubbed a ‘Family Day’, ULP supporters took part in numerous activities and closed the day with live performances from Shonelle Nanton, Sonny Banks and Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper.

“We want to thank you for the immense support that you have given your party, and for the contribution you have made to the continued development of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Party Leader and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves told the large crowd.

He gave the assurance that despite the economic difficulties internationally, his government was managing the affairs better than some of the neighbouring territories.

“We are thriving, and we are moving forward,” Gonsalves said.

He further explained that the completion date for the international airport at Argyle was on target and that it would be completed by the end of 2013 and ready for inspection by the international civil aviation authority and the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority.

“And I fully expect, God’s willing, that in early 2014 we will see 747 jets coming out from London and coming to St Vincent and the Grenadines,” the prime minister said.

There are people who think that this is impossible, Gonsalves explained, but he said that the ULP government was making the impossible not just possible, but were actually doing the work.

It was in the same way, he continued, that the Opposition said it was not possible to complete the Arnos Vale playing field in time for the Cricket World Cup Matches back in 2007.

That venue, according to Gonsalves, hosted three One Day Internationals recently, and this would not have been possible had the government not invested US$20 million (EC$54 million) in the project.

He said that plans were in motion for the development of a master plan for the proposed new city at Arnos Vale, after the airport has been relocated to Argyle.

Gonsalves also announced that a study on transportation was also being conducted.

“Because we have to improve the transportation between Arnos Vale and Kingstown and we have to provide another road – probably a tunnel under Cane Garden point,” the prime minister said.

He chided those in Opposition, saying that there were some who lacked vision and who believe that the planned projects cannot be done.

The prime minister, in closing, commended his team for the accomplishments throughout the 11 years in government.

“For 11 years, we have done well. It doesn’t mean that we haven’t made mistakes. We are human beings. But I think that when history is written that it will be shown that the last 11 years have been the best years of government in the history of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Gonsalves said. (DD)