Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves returned home to St. Vincent on the afternoon of August 09th, apparently on the mend, from a head injury caused by a protestor’s missile, which had caused him to leave his country last Thursday for medical treatment in Barbados. An MRI one day after being struck in the head, found that he had a concussion. He was struck outside of the House of Assembly in Kingstown where according to local reports, protests were ongoing against a Public Health Amendment Bill, that would require certain categories of state employees to take a COVID-19 vaccine in order to work in specified frontline jobs.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Gonsalves had called in to a local radio station in St. Vincent to give a medical update.
“I’m just coming from Queen Elizabeth hospital where the neurologist Dr. Gill and the technician did some further tests on me and a further scan of the brain, because yesterday morning when I got up, and as always, I began to read, but the pages were blurred,”
The Prime Minister who also celebrated his 75th birthday on Sunday, said he was advised by the doctor that blurry vision is one of the manifestations of what is called “post-concussion syndrome”.
The attack on Gonsalves has been condemned by many leaders around the world including in the region.
Statement by Chairman of the OECS Authority, Prime Minister The Right Honourable Dr. Keith Mitchell
On behalf of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), I wish to express our deep dismay with the incident which occurred outside of the House of Assembly of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday, August 5, 2021, resulting in injury to Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
What we witnessed was heartbreaking and not representative of our true nature as Caribbean people, for this is not how we settle differences, political and otherwise.
Within the OECS, we strongly uphold the tenets of democracy and the right of citizens to protest and to have their voices heard, but to do so peacefully and in accordance with the law.
The OECS Authority unequivocally condemns the use of violence of any kind and any expressions of protest, such as the burning of police barriers in the street, as was witnessed in St. Vincent on Thursday.
Further, the OECS Authority calls on the opposition forces to unambiguously disassociate themselves from such anarchistic acts and to encourage supporters to keep their protest within the ambits of the law.
It is even more disturbing that the injury to the Vincentian Prime Minister occurred outside of the House of Assembly, the seat of Vincentian democracy and the location where all political differences are to be freely debated, discussed and resolved.
We extend our prayers to Prime Minister Gonsalves and wish him a speedy recovery from the injuries sustained, and we call on all Vincentians to opt for rational debate over animosity and extreme behaviour. This is a line, which once crossed, it may become difficult to return.
Given the demonstrated resilience of the Vincentian Government and people, having experienced a series of crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the volcanic eruption, we are confident that St. Vincent can rise to the higher challenge of national unity.
Attack on Prime Minister Gonsalves a ‘reprehensible act’ – CARICOM Secretary-General
(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana – Friday, 6 August 2021) – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) condemns in the strongest terms the violent attack on the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. The Honourable Ralph Gonsalves.
This reprehensible act is an affront to our democratic principles and practices. 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 looks forward to the perpetrator of this aggressive act being brought to justice. The Community calls for peace and calm in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Community wishes the Prime Minister a speedy recovery from his injuries.
The Government of Anguilla Wishes The Honourable Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, a Speedy Recovery
Official Statement
Saturday, August 7, 2021 — The Government and the people of Anguilla wish a speedy recovery to the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Honourable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Video footage and images of the assault he suffered on Thursday, 5th August 2021 sent shockwaves across the Caribbean and proved to be a glaring reminder of the changing times in which we live.
For the most part, as a people, Caribbean nationals have enjoyed the full liberties of peaceful protest. We are never ones to resort to violence as a primary response and constantly preach that it is not the answer. Our actions whether in Government or as citizens are magnified in today’s hyperconnected world and active social platforms. Often times the influence of our individual choices reach further and faster than we can make time to dissect the details or an appropriate response.
As Caribbean nations we are interrelated, interconnected and mutually vulnerable to what grows when the roots of violence are allowed to spread. We cannot afford for such to happen, if not for ourselves for the generations looking on.
We join our fellow Caribbean nations and pray for peace in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and encourage our brothers and sisters there to seek a peaceful discourse and nonviolent demonstration to address their differences.
Premier Farrell Condemns Physical Attack on the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Media Release Courtesy Office of the Premier (Montserrat)
Saturday, August 7, 2021 — Montserrat’s Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Joseph E. Farrell condemns the physical attack on the Rt. Honourable Ralph Gonsalves and wishes him a speedy recovery.
Premier Farrell says that violence and personal assaults have no place in Caribbean politics where democracy and the rule of law are the core values and principles of our Caribbean Community. We all agree that people do have a right to peaceful protest but physically attacking elected leaders or Government Representatives must be condemned. He therefore maintains that there can be no compromise on this front as such acts of violence are a threat to national security and do not in any way help our democracies.
In this regard, the Honourable Joseph E. Farrell states that Montserrat stands in firm solidarity with the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and looks forward to his continue
Government of Saint Lucia Extends Best Wishes to Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves
Media Release Courtesy Office of the Prime Minister (Saint Lucia)
Friday, August 6, 2021 — The Government and the People of Saint Lucia wish to extend best wishes and speedy recovery to the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who was assaulted yesterday, Thursday 5th August, 2021.
While we recognise the right to peaceful protest, we denounce all acts of violence by anyone. Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre has sent his private well wishes to Hon. Gonsalves. The Government and the People of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remain in our thoughts and prayers, especially during this time. Prime Minister, May God bless our islands.