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Attack on SVG PM Gonsalves ‘shocking & reprehensible’- Premier Fahie

- says VI Gov't stands in solidarity with CARICOM in denouncing attack
Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called reprehensible and shocking, recent attacks on the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph E. Gonsalves. Photo: GIS/Photo
The attack on Dr Ralph E. Gonsalves which has now been classified as an attempted assassination with arrests made, happened on August 5, 2021, during a protest concerning amendments to the island’s Public Health Act.
The attack on Dr Ralph E. Gonsalves which has now been classified as an attempted assassination with arrests made, happened on August 5, 2021, during a protest concerning amendments to the island’s Public Health Act.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has called reprehensible and shocking, the recent attack on the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph E. Gonsalves.

The attack on Dr Gonsalves, which has now been classified as an attempted assassination, occurred on August 5, 2021, during a protest concerning amendments to the island’s Public Health Act. The amendments, according to local media, would make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for frontline workers

Dr Gonsalves was struck by a stone just above his temple. The stone was allegedly thrown by an opposition protester, as Dr Gonsalves made his way back to parliament. A woman has since been arrested.

Caricom has since released a statement calling the attack an affront on democratic principles.

"The conduct of peaceful protest is a fundamental civil and political right that represents a healthy element of our democracy. Its degeneration into violence and physical assault must be denounced unreservedly,” CARICOM said on Friday, August 6, 2021.

Premier Fahie, in a statement on Friday evening, August 6, 2021, said, “Your Government agrees with the statement issued by CARICOM following yesterday’s assault of St Vincent Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves by a protester while the Prime Minister was on his way to the Parliament.”

No place for Violence in democracy - Premier Fahie 

“The violence that was displayed against Prime Minister Gonsalves was shocking and reprehensible. It has no place in a democratic society. This COVID-19 era is a time for unity and for working together.”

The Premier further reminded that now is a time to be supportive of each other rather than a time for violence. “We can have our differences without resulting to measures of this level.”

While Premier Fahie acknowledges that vaccination remains a controversial issue in many countries, he said in the VI, freedom of speech will be respected.

“I want to reiterate… your Government cherishes freedom of speech and democracy. We fully support the right to express yourselves and to criticise your Government. But this must be done in a respectful and lawful way,” the Premier said.

16 Responses to “Attack on SVG PM Gonsalves ‘shocking & reprehensible’- Premier Fahie”

  • Vex bad (09/08/2021, 12:13) Like (5) Dislike (33) Reply
    To the leader of the opposition you have to be ah shame of your self u don't fight fire with fire that is not flour I think I heard the old saying sense make before book as far as i can see that is not protest that is voilense big time
  • vincy (09/08/2021, 12:19) Like (6) Dislike (60) Reply
    Y'all Vincy wrong for this
  • Rubber Duck (09/08/2021, 12:37) Like (7) Dislike (102) Reply
    I with foy on this yall
    • Rubber Duck (09/08/2021, 14:52) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      Unsurprising as he is surrounded by illiterates.
    • Rubber d!ck (10/08/2021, 08:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Who is the real rubber duck? the white lady from the governor’s office or the ndp paid blogger?
  • Well (09/08/2021, 13:31) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    You tell me so many things went on down there one time and people don't take heed what kind of heartless people u all is this man getting paid for walking in town every day did he paying u all to make a fool of u all even Ralph step down which he will not do there is no place for that leader period
  • charge (09/08/2021, 14:02) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    the violence is shameful but this is not on the opposition there are stupid people following everyone. The claim of Attempted assassination is just as stupid as in evidence of them charging the lady with wounding.
  • Hon. Premier Andrew A. Fahie scored big (100%) on this one. (09/08/2021, 14:07) Like (5) Dislike (26) Reply
    I agree with our Premier on this issue in referrence to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was delibrately, and violently struck in his skull by a lowlife minded female protester in St. Vincent, resulted in head injuries, Aug. 5, 2021.
    All persons that disagree with our Premier on this one are crookedminded or lack good judgment.
  • The Reaper (09/08/2021, 15:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Poor lady. Not she ……lawsuit in
  • The hate mongering attitude is one of the norm practice here in the B.V.I., that shows no abating, not even in the hight of crisis time. (09/08/2021, 16:49) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Even when you are right, haters dislike your righteous position, as in reference to our Primer Minister's Andrew A. Fahie condemnation commented of the women that strucked Dr. Ralph Gonsalves head with a stone in St. Vincent deliberately, Aug. 5, 2021

  • Jag (09/08/2021, 18:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The violence inflicted upon the PM, is most unfortunate, if this came about deliberately the accuser is wrong and liable to be punished. However, I urge the PM to take the highroad and overcome evil by forgiving the culprit and refuse to prosecute the matter. Do this and serve God and great will be your reward. We cannot turn back the hands of time, but we can bring healing, by demonstrating true love. Be a Joseph to the people of SVG! Maybe the accused's family is filled with brokenness and you by showing mercy may change the disastrous slope on which they stand and the similar trend of countless others throughout the world. I wish you a speedy recovery and urge all our peoples to take their burden to God and establish a personal relationship with our Creator. Involve Him in every aspect of our lives and not just when things are awry!
  • Tim (09/08/2021, 20:28) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    assassination attempt?

    you think that is how assassination are being planned?

    Want to go after her, charge with assault with deadly force/weapon but assassination attempt? sure, make a scandal out of it. If that is your judgment on this case... I can see why people are upset with this PM
  • 4real (09/08/2021, 21:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don’t support the Premier on this every one is missing the point my body is my body My Heavenly Father God refer to it as his temple imagine that I get to walk around daily in the temple of my Heavenly Father he choose me to protect his temple not a government I should decide what enters my temple not Carvin not Andrew and in relation to that woman certainly not Ralph and if he passes that law he need stoning again give people the chance to decide what enters their body it should be a personal choice no one should have to demonstrate for that
  • Youth (09/08/2021, 22:10) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is why I respect & LOVE our Premier. He is not afraid to call a spade a spade.
  • Yes I (10/08/2021, 06:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Son of the Slave Master , He is not Black what he doing being Prime minister, we don’t want him no more. Vincy say so.
  • Vincy 2 d bone (10/08/2021, 08:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    First thing you see a protest going on and you In your jeep going into the house of parliament and you decide to come out of the vehicle and go into an angry crowd? That make sense? Furthermore they say its an assination why would you be having your windows down in a motorcade waving few days after? This is nonsense


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