Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday’s recent Independence Day address, describing the speech as the “worst since independence” and claiming it was met with widespread public dissatisfaction.
Speaking during a radio broadcast, Gonsalves expressed concern over what he termed major omissions and misleading statements, highlighting the complete absence of any mention of reparations in the Prime Minister’s national address.
Gonsalves pointed out that while Prime Minister Friday had previously addressed reparations at the United Nations, omitting the issue from the national independence speech represented a significant policy oversight.
A central pillar of Gonsalves’ critique was his allegation that the current administration is co-opting existing Unity Labour Party (ULP) initiatives and presenting them as new government policies.
He cited the continuation of VAT-free electricity consumption up to 250 kilowatt-hours per month and the annual duty-free Christmas barrel program as longstanding ULP measures originally introduced during his administration.
Gonsalves also said that proposed adjustments to minimum pensions and social assistance align with actuarial studies and public assistance reforms initiated under the prior ULP government.
Addressing the economic proposals outlined in the address, Gonsalves challenged the viability and transparency of several featured investment projects:
Mayreau Resort Proposal: He labeled an announced $100 million USD resort development in Mayreau under a Memorandum of Understanding with Native Group as unverified, stating that the project lacks confirmed private capital backing or clear financial structuring.
Holiday Inn Express Sale: Gonsalves questioned the proposed $35 million USD sale of the Holiday Inn Express facility at Diamond to a Best Western affiliate, noting that no formal sales agreement or deposit exists. He cautioned that altering the property’s brand could trigger complications with the International Hotel Group (IHG) and violate prior undertakings given to the Caricom Development Fund, which provided $29.07 million EC in loan financing for the facility.
Global Ports Agreement: Gonsalves called for immediate transparency regarding the government’s cruise port deal, demanding that the Prime Minister publish and table the complete agreement with Global Ports Holding in Parliament. He stressed that the public remains uninformed about critical details, including head tax distributions and long-term financial concessions.
In addition, Gonsalves pointed out that the address failed to clarify the status of campaign promises regarding Value Added Tax (VAT), specifically the proposal to reduce VAT from 16% to 13%, which he noted was omitted despite assurances of an October update.
Characterizing the national landscape as facing six interlocking financial and administrative challenges, Gonsalves argued that the current administration lacks a clear developmental framework. He urged Vincentians to maintain solidarity and support one another as the country navigates economic uncertainties.
