PM Gonsalves, Arnhim Eustace meet with SVG Christian Council

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves met yesterday with the Christian Council, in relation to the current political situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines, consequent upon the general elections of December 09, 2015.

A similar meeting was held on Sunday, December 13, with president of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Arnhim Eustace.{{more}}

A release from Gonsalves said his discussion with the representatives of the Christian Council, led by Monsignor Michael Stewart, was cordial and productive.

“I reconfirmed to them that the elections were free and fair and reflected the will of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, as was emphasized by the Election Observer Missions of CARICOM, the Organization of American States and the Commonwealth.

“The Christian Council affirmed the continuing requisite for peace and calm, and suggested that any complaints about the election process should be addressed by the Law Courts. I agreed with all of this.

“The Christian Council reiterated their position that political partisans on both sides must be advised by their respective leaderships to obey the law, be peaceful and calm, and not provoke any confrontation.”

The Prime Minister accordingly urged all Vincentians, especially those who are supporters respectively of the ULP and the NDP, to conduct themselves peacefully and with maturity at the official Swearing in Ceremony of members of the Cabinet that occured yesterday afternoon at Heritage Square.

“In particular, it would be helpful if everyone should resist the temptation to display party political symbols to the annoyance of others at this afternoon’s event. We are a mature, sophisticated people, steeped in tried and tested values of our Caribbean civilization. Let us be good,” the release said.

Monsignor Michael Stewart gave the benediction at yesterday’s swearing in ceremony.