PM Gonsalves to lead ruling party into general election

KINGSTOWN (CMC):

The ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) celebrated its 24th anniversary in office over the last weekend with Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves using the occasion to urge supporters to ensure that the party wins a sixth consecutive term in power.

“First of all, I want to affirm that this rally, this celebratory rally, is not about us in the leadership of the party. It is not about Comrade Ralph,” Gonsalves told the event, adding “this rally is to celebrate the faithful love and support of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who are gathered here in the largest political rally in the history of this country to celebrate and commemorate 24 years of tremendous achievements”.

The rally, which included performances by local and regional artistes, served to praise Gonsalves, who turns 79 in August, and who is expected to lead the party in its re-election bid.

“This is not about any one individual. This Labour family, this family of St Vincent and the Grenadines, we are in solidarity with one another.

“Like in all families, from time to time, we may have disagreements, we may have grumbles, but as the Good Lord taught Moses, grumble not. Fear not. Love and let us go forth,” Gonsalves said, adding that the achievements of his government over the last 24 years are “absolutely historic; impressive.

“We have transformed St.Vincent and the Grenadines for the better by far … All what we have achieved would not have been possible without us working together.”

The prime minister said some people do not share “the glory of the perspectives of the people-centred vision of our philosophy, our policies and programmes and they will try to tear us down.

“But you see tonight, as we begin a pre-campaign, which is a celebration and itself, moving forward to the sixth term, do not be afraid. Do not be dismayed. Do not allow anybody to kafuffle your mind.

“And above all, I ask you not to try to be a Samson and pull the temple down on everybody head, including you, because doing that will not create, in our context, the opportunities for further development.”