Why was Augustus recalled? – Eustace

Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace is insisting that the Government explain to the Vincentian public the wrongdoings, if any, by former Deputy Consul General Edson Augustus.{{more}}

Eustace said yesterday on his party’s New Times programme that there was still a big cloud, caused by a lack of transparency in what the people are hearing from the Government.

“People are asking questions,” the Leader of the Opposition said.

He said that the comments being made were not consistent.

Eustace referred to an article which he said quoted Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Camillo Gonsalves as saying that the former diplomat had been recalled because he was offering to assist out of status Vincentians in New York to secure Permanent Residence cards (green cards).

“That was the first admission,” Eustace said.

But, he said, when questioned again, Gonsalves said that Augustus was not involved in the sale of passports or any ring or syndicate.

“I’m not sure what he is saying. The point is something has gone wrong, the Government has called him back and they must say why,” Eustace said.

“We should not be in the dark all this time on this particular matter,” he continued.

Eustace said that there was some talk that Augustus may have committed the acts at his private residence.

But according to the Opposition Leader, this point was invalid, because Augustus was a diplomat on and off the job.

“He was a diplomat representing St Vincent and the Grenadines in the United States, so don’t say he did these things at home; come straight and tell us why you recalled him,” Eustace said.