Party will not cooperate with Government – Leacock

With promises of non-cooperation with the ruling administration and vows not to rest until there is a change of government, the leadership of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and its supporters took to the streets of Kingstown last Thursday, to protest allegations of corruption in the Unity Labour Party-led Government.{{more}}

NDP President and Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace led the followers in a march from NDP headquarters at Murray Road, around the city, before they converged at Heritage Square for a rally. During his address, Eustace called for a change of government and gave the assurance that he will not stop until the mission is accomplished.

“…After 13 years of Ralph Gonsalves, I know he has to go. I give you the promise that Arnhim Eustace and the rest of the team will bring back prosperity to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I am not going to rest until Gonsalves goes,” the Opposition Leader declared.

St Clair Leacock, NDP vice-president, also added to the challenge, stating on behalf of the rest of the leadership that the NDP would no longer collaborate with the Government.

Leacock, who is the parliamentary representative for Central Kingstown, gave the Gonsalves-led administration an ultimatum.

“We are into serious times, from here with a one-seat majority, Ralph, the New Democratic Party is not cooperating with you on anything, save and except for the next general elections.

“So, if you want our support in any activity, in any action and for any decision, you must ring the bell, call the

elections, relieve yourself of the misery and bring back good governance to this country, bring back the New Democratic Party, bring Arnhim Eustace into prime ministership of St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Leacock said that his party’s decision to take to the streets was in an effort to show the Government that the people have had enough of corruption, which he said is rampant in the administration.

“In this country, corruption is running so rife that if we don’t arrest it, I wouldn’t like to see it in a year from now, because the level of corruption in St Vincent and the Grenadines is now being institutionalized, is now being endemic, it’s a way of life; it’s now a part of the DNA of the ULP institution.

“This anti-corruption march is not because we in the New Democratic Party don’t have anything to do; it is because the New Democratic Party, it pains us terribly.”

Other NDP leaders to address the rally included Senator Vynnette Frederick, Members of Parliament Daniel Cummings and Roland Matthews, and caretaker for North Windward Lauren Baptiste. (JJ)