PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations (OCCBA) unequivocally condemns the August 5, 2021, physical attack on prime minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) as he made his way to the House of Assembly just after 5:00 pm.
Prime minister Gonsalves, who is also an Attorney-at-Law, was reportedly struck on his head with an object (believed to be a stone) thrown from a crowd of protesters taking issue with an amendment to the Public Health Bill (addressing the issue of mandatory vaccination) being debated in the House of Assembly.
St Vincent and the Grenadines PM injured in stone throwing incident
A release from the office of the prime minister (August 5) refers to him “bleeding profusely” after the attack and one of the many images circulated widely on social media shows him with a bloodied shirt.
The physical attack on the prime minister represents a new and unfortunate low in Vincentian politics. It brings no benefit and can only incite further violence and deepen divisions in a society still reeling from the effects of April 2021, erupting Soufriere Volcano which caused significant dislocation and losses.
Discourage violence
OCCBA appeals to all leaders within the Vincentian community, and particularly those involved in the ongoing protests, to discourage violence and promote peaceful engagement. No doubt in the exercise of their cherished fundamental rights, people may pursue various forms of protest action, vigorously and passionately, but it ought not to extend to violence against any individual or group, more so against a sitting prime minister or other leaders of society.
OCCBA recognizes the sensitivities surrounding the issue of mandatory vaccination and the delicate balancing of public interests and individual rights which it entails, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic now ravaging the world, with new strains emerging. How to protect the wider public interest and preserve individual human rights remains the single biggest challenge facing governments all over the world in the face of this deadly pandemic.
Unite to fight COVID-19
COVID-19 represents a common enemy striking its deadly tentacles irrespective of political affiliation, social connection or geographical location. We, therefore, have an individual and collective responsibility to fight against it in the interest of our families, communities and respective countries. More than ever, the fight calls for unity, understanding, sensitivity, intense ongoing education and, very importantly, the involvement of the people in shaping solutions. Never must that fight be seen as a partisan issue.
OCCBA anticipates a full investigation into the August 5th attack on prime minister Gonsalves, and urge that the law be allowed to take its course.
OCCBA wishes prime minister Gonsalves a speedy recovery and looks forward to a return to normalcy in SVG soonest. Amidst all the heat and excitement, we urge that cool heads prevail.
