PM notes declining interest in the Commonwealth

THIS COUNTRY’S Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has noted a “decline in interest” by members in the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth consists of 54 countries which are working towards shared goals of prosperity, democracy and peace.

Many of the countries which make up the Commonwealth are former territories of the British Empire; this includes St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Gonsalves’ comments come ahead of a planned Commonwealth Summit to be held in Rwanda in June.

Speaking on NBC Radio on Wednesday, April 6 the prime minister said, “I have seen over the years a decline in interest in the Commonwealth.”

He said this declining interest is displayed “by a number of larger countries, including Britain.”

The prime minister recalled a previous Commonwealth meeting which took place in London at which the waning interest was obvious.

He recalled that “key figures were absent from the meeting”.

Additionally, some of those present only showed their faces for brief intervals over the two day Commonwealth Finance Ministers meeting.

The prime minister is of the opinion that if another such meeting were called “now,” many Finance

Ministers will not be in attendance. He suggested that instead of attending the meeting, the Finance Ministers “will send officials” to represent them.