Anti Gov’t Protest In Kingstown, St Vincent

The streets of St Vincent’s capital had not seen such a public display of discontent and anti-government chants since mid- 2000. At that time trade unions joined with the opposition party led by Ralph Gonsalves in a combined effort to oust the James Mitchell Administration.

Protesters gathered outside the island’s parliament early Thursday morning then moved to occupy an area outside the Financial Complex which houses the Prime Ministers’ office.

Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday whose party is leading the demonstrations in the capital said that the rule of law is being destroyed by the current administration headed by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

“The rule of law is being destroyed and added to that the government needs to account for $95 Million in alleged spending”.

“Poverty is at an all-time high, and the government policies are not working in the interest of the people.”

In protest on July 6, protesters said the issue of a Government Senator and Assistant DPP or (Gungate) as they call it, is a matter of the rule of law, equal rights, and justice.

Police on the island have charged Government Senator Ashelle Morgan and Assistant DPP Karim Nelson in a shooting incident that left 60-year-old Cornelius John with a bullet wound; both should attend court on August 17 to answer charges.

On Wednesday night, Lawyer Kay Bachus Baptiste said the recent discussion about mandating vaccines for a specific sector of workers is another reason to join the protest in Kingstown on Thursday.

The Kingstown protesters’ chants included “No Justice No Peace,” “Enough is Enough,” and “Time for ULP to Go.”

A sitting of the island’s parliament slated for Thursday 29 July was postponed to August 5th.