Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves has stepped forward to strongly refute government claims regarding financial losses at the national cruise pier, labeling the narrative a misrepresentation designed to “bamboozle” the public.
During a recent broadcast, Gonsalves addressed assertions made by government affiliates—specifically referring to “Shallow”—who suggested that the cruise pier’s operations were failing and required state intervention. Gonsalves argued that these claims are being used as a “red herring” to justify a new management deal with Global Ports.
A central point of Gonsalves’ rebuttal is the structure of the pier’s finances. He clarified that the cruise pier is managed by the Port Authority, and its accounts are consolidated within that entity’s overall budget.
“Government never put any money for the operation of the cruise pier,” Gonsalves asserted, noting that the Port Authority has historically handled the facility’s day-to-day work within its own ambit. He challenged the government to provide evidence of operational subsidies, stating that the current rhetoric is merely an attempt to “throw smoke in people’s eye”.
Gonsalves sought to distinguish between the costs of constructing the pier and the costs of running it. He reminded the public that the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration originally signed the loan and built the pier using funds from the Kuwaiti Fund.
While he acknowledged that his administration settled the remaining arrears for the building’s construction in early 2022, he emphasized that this was a capital debt payment, not a bailout for operational inefficiency. “The government paid for the building of the pier, but the government did not put money for the operation of the pier,” he clarified.
Gonsalves suggested that the “nasty kind of talk” regarding losses is a strategic move to build support for a 30-year lease agreement with Global Ports. He expressed concern that the government is rushing into a long-term commitment without finalized details on management fees, head tax splits, or the actual value of the proposed $30 million USD investment.
He said that if the government wishes to promote Global Ports as a partner, it should do so on the merits of the proposal rather than by disparaging the current management of the facility. “Stick to the main event,” Gonsalves urged, “without any sideshow”.