Former, present members of Cabinet pay tribute to PM

Former and present members of Cabinet came together on Wednesday February 21,2024 to celebrate with Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves his 30 years as the parliamentary representative for North Central Windward.

Dr Gonsalves was first elected to represent the constituency on February 21, 1994, and has been undefeated at the polls since that time.

At Wednesday’s special cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Montgommery Daniel, was among those who reflected on parts of the journey with Dr Gonsalves over those three decades.

Daniel is the present representative of North Windward and he expressed his appreciation to Dr Gonsalves.

“The journey has not been an easy one,” minister Daniel said, noting that sometimes it was like pulling teeth without anaesthetic.

Daniel’s relationship with Dr Gonsalves dates back to 1968, when the latter was a teacher at the Bishops College Secondary School in Georgetown.

Minister Daniel said in retrospect Dr Gonsalves “may have seen in me what I may not have seen over the years.”

Describing Dr Gonsalves as a “fearless gentleman”, Daniel also praised him for being “one of the greatest leaders.”

Daniel, who has been the representative in Parliament for North Windward for the past 23 years, reminded that he will be taking a back seat in the next general elections.

The Unity Labour Party has already put forward Dr Grace Walters as their candidate to replace Daniel in the constituency.

In her tribute Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Keisal Peters did her own rendition of “That’s what friends are for.”

“Thank you for everything you have done for this country,” minister Peters said.

In her tribute, Senator Shakel Bobb praised Dr Gonsalves for his “stellar leadership.”

“There has never been a time when I was in need, or I required some assistance in relation to my education or otherwise, when I reached out to our prime minister and he turned me down,” Senator Bobb recalled.

During the sitting, many other government officials took turns congratulating Dr Gonsalves for his 30 years in parliament as Representative for North Central Windward.

In his response to the tributes, Dr Gonsalves thanked the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines for the outpouring of love and support.

He was also full of gratitude to the people of North Central Windward who have elected him in successive elections since 1994.

Regardless of how much has been achieved over the years, Dr Gonsalves assured that “the work continues unabated.”

Former Minister of Urban Development, Julian Francis and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Louis Straker, were among the former veteran politicians present for Wednesday’s special Cabinet session, and Sir Louis offered a prayer of covering for Dr Gonsalves.