St Vincent PM vindicated

The Family Court in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has thrown out a rape allegation against Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.



President of the family court, Magistrate Colleen McDonald presided over the case, which was brought by a policewoman.



The policewoman claimed the Prime Minister sexually assaulted and raped her while she was on duty at his official residence on January 3.



The magistrate also refused to issue a summons to Gonsalves, noting that past efforts by the policewoman to have him prosecuted had failed.



The magistrate pointed out in her judgement that the director of public prosecutions had discontinued earlier charges and that attempts to have the decision reviewed have since failed.



Mr. Gonsalves denied the allegations stating that it was an attempt by his political opponents to damage him.