I didn’t know of intended visit of media – Eustace

Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace says that he had no prior knowledge of any intended visit by any foreign media to St Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

In his response to a question at a media conference at Democrat House on Wednesday, Eustace said that he was first contacted by the BBC on Tuesday, February 12, by “persons of an investigative team” working with the BBC’s “Panorama” programme. He said they requested an interview in relation to Harlequin Hotels and Resorts and its Chairman David Ames. Harlequin Hotels and Resorts is the developer of the Buccament Bay Resort.

Eustace said that the reporter, Paul Kenyon, put to him the allegation that Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, received a substantial bribe from Ames.

Eustace denied claims that the allegations were generated and/or orchestrated by the New Democratic Party (NDP).

The NDP President also said that when Gonsalves made the statement that he (Gonsalves) was being judged by Eustace’s standards, in so stating, the Prime Minister implied that he has in the past or would in the future accept or be inclined to accept a bribe.

“The very suggestion is plainly untrue, and ironically, libellous,” Eustace told members of the media.

However when questioned as to whether or not he may take legal action against the prime minister, the Leader of the Opposition replied that he was “awaiting the outcome of certain matters.” (DD)