An open letter to the Leader of the NDP

Editor: I wish to extend Happy New Year 2016 and all blessings from the Almighty God to all Vincentians at home and abroad in the many months and years to come.

We have just ended a period of election campaigning and from all intents and purposes, the New Democratic Party is hellbent on causing problems for the country. The NDP is a party I and my family began supporting soon after its formation by the Honourable James Mitchell, but recent events have had myself and my family to rethink our support.

Mr Eustace, note that within my immediate and extended family, the number of votes total almost 100 votes. There were a number of incidents with which we were not happy.

(i) The comments by candidates of the NDP about young people following the ULP, and too many young black people following the ULP.

(ii) The so-called sex tapes released a day after the election date was announced.

(iii) The so-called bank account document showing the Prime Minister having so many millions in a bank.

(iv) A Trinidadian lawyer and his companion having in their possession a firearm on Election Day.

(v) The calls for civil unrest over radio, and the subsequent behaviour by the Leader of the NDP at Layou, where many members of my family stood and watched it all.

On Election Day, my wife and I were waiting for other family members on the sidewalk at the Peace Memorial Hall, because we had agreed to enter the polling station together to vote. Some of us vote in various constituencies, but we had always made it a rule to vote for the NDP since its formation.

While there, we witnessed the foulest language used by a Trinidadian lawyer towards a photographer who was photographing the lawyer. During an exchange of words, the male companion of the Trinidadian lawyer attempted to draw a firearm he was carrying on his side, but did not. Things got worse when a Vincentian decided to first poke the photographer in his face, and then slapped him.

From then on it was mayhem, as the photographer retaliated, landing a series of blows on the Vincentian, until another Vincentian hit the photographer to the back of his head with a chair.

My family and I had reason to discuss these incidents during the Christmas holidays, especially the first-time voters in the family who wanted to understand what was taking place. In this regard, Mr Eustace, we have a number of questions to ask of you.

How many Trinidadian lawyers and supporters entered St Vincent and the Grenadines and had firearms in their possession? We know of at least one.

Did you as Leader of the NDP, or the chair of the NDP, or the secretary of the NDP obtain for the Trinidadian lawyer or companion any permit to carry a firearm?

If not, then who with the NDP gave a firearm to the Trinidadian lawyer and his companion?

Mr Eustace, the actions of the NDP with regard to the firearm being carried by the Trinidadian lawyer placed the lives of a number of persons in danger.

What if the Trinidadian lawyer’s companion had drawn his firearm?

What if that firearm was discharged in public?

While you are focusing on having petitions filed in court challenging the results of the general elections, you need to come clean and address the public on all media what you know. Mr Eustace, there is need for you to address this issue with the utmost urgency, for this raises questions over our national security.

Mr Eustace, until such time that you have given us the true facts on this issue, my family have no other choice but to withdraw our support for the NDP.

A troubled former NDP supporter