STATEMENT FROM HER EXCELLENCY DAME SUSAN D.

DOUGAN, GCMG, OBE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF ST.VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

“I wish to register my utter disappointment and dismay on hearing of the injury sustained by Prime Minister, Dr. The Honourable Ralph Gonsalves while returning to Parliament on Thursday, 5th August, 2021.

While peaceful protests are expected and even welcome manifestations of a mature democracy, when a protest descends into anarchy and violence, that is when, as an enlightened society, we have to pause and take stock as to the direction we are heading. We cannot on one hand say that it is our democratic and constitutional right to protest, and at the same time condone any action which puts lives at risk and falls well outside the limits of the law.

I wish to appeal to all organisers of protests in the future, to reflect on what took place on Thursday, 5th August, 2021 and to ensure that the necessary control mechanisms are always put in place to prevent a repetition of what recently took place.

I take this opportunity to wish Prime Minister, Dr. The Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, a speedy recovery from his injury and commiserate with his wife and his entire family on this unfortunate incident.”