Caribupdate news report is ‘pure dishonesty’ – PM Gonsalves

A news report published on August 26 by online news site Caribupdate has been described by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves as “pure dishonesty masquerading as journalism.”

The article, entitled “Vincentian rulers see red with opposition policy shift,” and authored by one ‘Peter Alexander’, refers to a 45-minute “tirade” by Gonsalves in reaction to the announcement made by president of the New Democratic {{more}}Party (NDP) Arnhim Eustace on August 23 that his party would embrace the ‘One China Policy’.

According to the Caribupdate story, Gonsalves declared “This doesn’t make sense!” 22 times in 45 minutes, in response to the NDP announcement.

The story also quotes Gonsalves as saying “What does Brexit has (have) to do with anything?” “as he read through a digital copy of the statement sent to him.”

“But them just in opposition. They can’t give weight to them things,” the story also quoted Gonsalves as saying “in Vincentian vernacular”.

“And anyhow, why now?” the story said Gonsalves complained, “during a near two-hour after dinner rant.”

But the Prime Minister is adamant that he gave no such interview.

“The news report was presented as though I was interviewed by this author. The simple truth is that I gave no such interview. Thus, the quotes from this manufactured interview were entirely made up by the author. This is pure dishonesty masquerading as journalism,” Gonsalves said in a statement provided to SEARCHLIGHT.

The Caribupdate news site is run by Grenadian journalist Hamlet Mark.