‘I won’t walkabout with anybody from the Opposition’ – PM

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has made it clear that he is not willing to walk about in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), with anyone from the opposition New Democratic Party NDP).

Gonsalves made the point while responding to a question that was tabled in Parliament for oral answer on Thursday, February 23, by Central Kingstown Member of Parliament, St Clair Leacock.

The question was asked of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Montgomery Daniel.

Daniel was however absent from the House on Thursday and the Prime Minister answered questions which were directed for Daniel’s response.

As part of the question, the Central Kingstown MP wanted to know if the minister was “available for site visits with the Parliamentary Opposition for road improvements in their constituency”.

In responding to the question, Prime Minister Gonsalves said he was unable to state whether or not Minister Daniel would be willing to go.

However, the Prime Minister said “For my part, I wouldn’t walk about with anybody from the opposition because the last time I encountered them in a public place ah get me head buss.”

In the question Leacock had also asked “ How soon if at all possible, can the honourable Minister accompany me as representative of Central Kingstown to an area called Suck Hole in Green Hill, to determine what infrastructural help can be given to the residents?”

Having earlier declined the request for a walkabout, the Prime Minister indicated that the Roads Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA), is already doing an assessment on the dirt road at Suck Hole.

The assessment is to determine the cost of road works to be done in that area.

Gonsalves had to receive medical treatment at hospital after being struck in the head by an object in August, 2021 outside the Parliament building during a protest by members of the public and supporters of the opposition party.

The Prime Minister was walking through the crowd to return to Parliament for the resumption of the afternoon sitting.