Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonzalves, was struck by an object during protests in Kingstown on Thursday and had to receive medical treatment for an injury to his head, according to local media reports and images circulating online.
The reports indicate that citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were protesting an amendment to the Public Health Act in that country which would require front line workers there to take the COVID-19 vaccine or lose their jobs.
Dr. Gonsalves was making his way back to the House of Parliament in the country’s capital, Kingstown, when he was injured.
Lawmakers were on Thursday presented with a third revision of proposed changes to the Public Health Act, which Parliament is expected to debate later in the evening.
The revision came in the face of the largest crowd that has turned out to protests in Kingstown during meetings of Parliament over the last few weeks.
The government is proposing to remove the word voluntary from a section of the law that speaks to vaccination against an illness that has triggered the declaration of a public health emergency, such as COVID-19.
An earlier version of the proposed amendments also said that people could be exempted from such vaccination on medical or religious grounds.
I would like to see them giving me this vaccine. Not in a million years. Come on give it a try…
Good morning Skerrit. How does your breakfast taste this morning? How many guards are on duty today? At least a dozen is my cautious estimate. You see, you are already a prisoner in your own palace. The people will tighten the conditions over the coming month. How about your political friends, are they being left exposed?
Allu crying in the comments but the man was elected my the majority of voters in his country. Shouldn’t you be for democracy instead of asking from the removal of a democratically elected official. Y’all sound just like the people in America who cry the same crap about current president.
The majority he gained comes from the dead and the Haitians and of course those famous Election Day envelopes. If it wasn’t for that he would be living in Dubai by now. Do get your facts right, boldface liar!
Yes! When does the madness stop?!! What will our children and grand children be subjugated to? What are we being groomed for? What will be the next mandated ingestion? How long before ‘they’ sneak it in and tell us to swallow it?
I ask this question in all sincerity for sometimes I’m torn by it. Is violence ever justifiable especially against political leaders who have overstayed their time, used the resources of the state to enrich themselves, used the military might of the state to crush dissent and intimidate and wrongfully arrest opponents?
Is violence ever justifiable especially by those who are victimized by those in powerful public positions? Does it sometimes become a necessary evil? What’s your opinion?
DNO you can weigh in if you are comfortable doing so.
A breathalyzer test should be administered to mister PM. #1. He miscalculated and made a bad decision thinking everybody is afraid of him.
#2. The look on his face have sign of a guy that’s “tipsy.”
ThisCaricom leader called Gonzales, with his dictatorial tendencies, also has his son in a top position in his government, plus his sons wife leading their IPO. So its CORRUPTION GALORE. I am happy that the people of the Caricom region are rising up against those evil men posing as dictators. St Lucia first, St vincent second…..The pot keeps boiling.Take what you get Gonzales. I am sorry for the people of St Vincent that you had under subjugation, but not you!!!
I’m not advocating for violence but I’m always struck by those people who advocate for a utopian society where there aren’t situations which result in violence. The first revolt we learn about was in heaven and God had to have Satan and his followers forcefully removed. Are these dreamers of peace and unity setting out to blame our brave ancestors who revolted against the oppressors? Should they have accepted the status quo and remained in servitude for perpetuity? Should Hitler have been allowed to continue to rule the countries and people he conquered? I’m saying that sometimes violence is necessary especially when leaders act as if they are above the law. They can see no wrong they and their supporters are doing. When a citizenry is fed up of high-handed government which has highjacked the rule of law there is only one course of action and it’s bloody. We should have learned the lessons of history such as the French revolution and seek to avoid recurrences.
In recent times we had three good teachers; teacher Haiti, teacher St. Lucia and now teacher St. Vincent. I hope we are good students to put what we learned to practice
Very good teachers but Dominicans still have not learned. Actually, I believe they never learn. They are happy to live on left overs, they are happy for their leader to abuse them, they are satisfied being last in everything…
Message received thank you St Vincent
Violence against anyone is unacceptable and it is sad to see so many from this beautiful country support it. What happened to Christian values and morality? What happened to koudeman? Forget the life saving vaccines, what is this obsession with violence and death? It is sad to see so many accept the unacceptable.
@Common sense
You are a hypocrite. If you had any christian value in you, you would have known that you don’t impose yourself on anyone, you don’t subjugate your people you don’t show partiality to one segment of the population and forget the other segment. Stop exposing your hypocrisy in public, be level headed!!
The Caribbean, not too long ago, was known globally as a stable, tranquil, peaceful region. In recent times, greedy, corrupt, uncaring, self-serving politicians have pitched families against earn other; eternal friends have turned everlasting enemies. It has gotten so bad that politics has caused villagers and countrymen not even to speak to exchange a ‘Hello’ to each other from cradle to grave.
Fierce, polluted, partisan politics has done and continues to do irreparable damage to our people and has stymied progress in our region.
This incident involving PM Gonsalves should make all of us do some serious introspection. But, Gaston Browne (PM of Antigua & Barbuda), without the objective facts, falsely blaming the main political opposition party in St. Vincent for the incident. No wonder the Caribbean is in such an economic and social mess.
I believe in peace, and non-violence. Having said that, history has shown us that when groups of people are being or have been oppressed, these groups tend to embrace what seems to them to be the only road to liberation, and that road is usually a violent one. This incident in St. Vincent could be a precursor of things to come here in the Caribbean and the rest of the world. I call upon our leaders to exercise common sense, and empathy in dealing with these myriad issues facing all of us, and to remember that we are all one race. The earth and nature does not recognize a rich man over a poor man, so leaders please recognize the rights of all.
Well what do you all expect when they want to pass mandates that infringe on people’s personal bodily autonomy? Why all of a sudden the push to make this vaccine mandatory? We know that it doesn’t stop you from getting the disease, it doesn’t stop you from spreading the disease.
Their only argument is that it makes it less severe when you do get it. People still have to wear masks and social distance even after getting the vaccine. Two of those vaccines had to be paused at one point because of issues with side effects. There has not been sufficient time to do long term testing for the vaccine. It is still under emergency use authorization.
If the only benefit of this vaccine is to protect YOU from suffering from the disease why the mandates? Why can’t grown adults be allowed to assume their own risk? What’s next? Government will tell you who to have sex with and when? How to spend your money? What you can eat? Where does it stop?
@freeworld – Aye, hear this. The pro-vaccine propagandists appears to be changing their tune from “the COVID vaccine reduces the chances of developing serious illness” narrative to “the COVID vaccine reduces the chances of serious illness deteriorating” narrative. They keep changing their tune as real world evidence blows holes in their narratives.
Take note that in a significant percentage of people who caught COVID even before the vaccines were on the scene, many were largely asymptomatic or exhibited mild symptoms – many recovered without needing to be hospitalized. These pro-vaccine propagandists are trying to trick people into thinking that serious illness is extremely common among the majority of those infected with COVID.
‘The truth is hidden in plain sight.’
Yes! When does the madness stop?!! What will our children and grand children be subjugated to? What are we being groomed for? What will be the next mandated ingestion? How long before ‘they’ sneak it in and tell us to swallow it?
I wonder what Skerrit saying to himself? Is he saying Dominicans are too zort and afraid of police so it will not happen here? Is he saying the people are very fed up and desperate and one day they will run out of patience? Or does he feel that while Dominicans are peaceful, we have a lot of foreigners that can act?
Payers for his full recovery. This is a very wrong and very predictable reaction. People at the top of health organizations don’t seem to understand human behaviour much better than government leaders. It doesn’t matter how selfish, foolish or misguided you believe people are who refuse vaccines. Particularly in our tiny, resource-poor nations, we NEED the full cooperation of these people, some of whom are prepared to literally fight to avoid what they see as a danger or a sin. So, with the majority of Dominica not fully vaccinated it would be unwise to take the ‘force’ road instead of the ‘persuasion’ road. Trust is a very fragile thing that is being tested to the max during this pandemic. The pace at which information (and with it, guidance) changes is hard for everyone, more so for those with a fundamental mindset (for whom facts are things set in stone forever). That said, we have to remember that the whole point of a democracy is to have the people determine their…
If that was in Dominica no doubt the police / Army of Skerrit would have killed a few
Resorting to violence by physically injuring PM Gonsales does nothing to solve the problem(s) at hand.
Having said that, it’s very noticeable that there are creeping and budding dictatorships popping up in the smaller islands of the Caribbean. Too many of those in power are making decisions and laws adversely impacting the already tough lives of the majority of their citizens that are high handed, repressive and oppressive .
Too many draconian legislations are passed without consultation and consideration as to the profound and adverse impact these said measures, policies and laws have on people particularly the down trodden.
Might is not always right Consultation, respect, empathy and the good use of common sense can be used to avoid vexatious situations or violent confrontations.
Where is the peace and love that these small jewels in the Caribbean sea were so well known for?
Charles Saverin has entered the chat ….
all you not listening? All you cannot force people, this is just the start!
While I support the measure that was being proposed in the vincy parliament to have health workers mandated to take the vaccine, I just love the idea that the people came out in large numbers to demonstrate against this rouge PM. For too long those like Gonsalves, Brown in ANU and the Zefant -sans-papa in Dca have taken the people for granted.
They believe by walking around with their chest out and a 1000 officers guarding them its impossible to reach them. This man could have easily been killed because he there playing mahzhorr walking through the crowd. Now I ask myself; How long will it take for us in Dca to demonstrate in such numbers and do what we have to do when the Cabal treat us like mou-ton-batalie?
Having said that I will still encourage ALL and sundry in Dca to get off their behind and go get vaccinated. To Gonslave I say, the evil that men do live with them. Take your coul-wash like a man. Police could not stop this one eh! Learn Dcans, learn!
When a “people” strictly rely and depends on handouts, grants, leftovers and pale complexion to lead and lift them up they will inevitably wake up to find themselves as did Sampson of the Bible, without strength. Most Prime ministers in the Caribbean have more than they could wish for, with absolutely no regards and respect for the people they serve. These are people who unite as one as in an occult to suppress and keep in poverty those whom they feignedly swore to help, lift up and protect. There’s is also an evil element from the “developed” world which give such leaders a Carte Blanche in order to carry out their mischief, and when “Shit Hits The Fan” these “developed” countries provide shelter in Exile. Wake up Caribbean people and see who continues to rule and abuse you. You were born Free, so die Free.
I don’t know any African leaders with pale complexions partner but all the countries there In bad shape if not worse than us. You saying all these leaders under control of foreigners then? Well if so they can at least treat their own people better, nothing stopping them doing that except their own vowace.
To all budding autocratic leaders in Caricom who lie, cheat and steal. Those who have highjacked the judicial system, use their gang of thugs parading as policemen to terrorise members of the opposition, even threatening to kill them, your day is coming too..
Its just a matter of time!
I have no sympathy for Gonzales.
This took too long to happen!!!
WELL DONE VINCENTIANS!!!
Skerrit is fine and doing well. Watch what you ask for, %. Lennox Linton will never be in that office that you crave to see him seated in. Not in this world, not in the next one. The more people get vaccinated the more the world will be a better place to live in. Hospitals in America are getting overwhelmed today with covid patients. What is it you don’t understand? Again you are just a minute fraction of a % in Dominica. You try anything, the wrath of God will soon come down on you.
@ds
Illiterate that’s not about Skerrit, but about all corrupt budding dictators.
You must have been a very slow witted student at school..
GO TO SCHOOL!!!
When you say all budding dictators you are implying Skerrit. I did not go to school just to watch your butt. You think you can fool people? The joke is on, brother. You keep saying I am not listening to Skerrit anymore yet when Skerrit says something you are the first to respond. You cannot resist your PM? I see. That is why he is The Ayatollah Sir Roosevelt Skerrit. Our Supreme Leader.
Politicians and others in authority sometimes forget they live in glass houses when they throw stones at the rights of citizens. Although violence is not the best solution to any problem, this act shows that the provocation of those in power on the rights of others can lead to desperate violence. If you live in a glass glass house don’t throw stones.
way to go vincy…Dominica, right now and the whole orld by extention needs o stand up and shut this down NOW, before we lose ALL our rights
The same front line workers he want to force to take a vaccine or he will fire them. Are the same front line workers that save his life. ………………….. That’s a good way to let him realize that you can’t force people to take something into there body that they don’t want to take . If he continue the Vincentian public will end up making an even graver example out of him.
Look at this. Caribbean leaders that is your eventual fate if u decide to force people to take this.
People are not forced to take polio and other PROVEN vaccines but you all want to force people to take this so far unproven vaccines. That it’s a well known fact does not stop you from catching, transmitting or dying from it.
And stop spreading lies. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated people can spread it and show no symptoms . And both vaccinated and unvaccinated people can show symptoms as well. Whether u show symptoms or not is down to the individual not is the vaccinated or not.
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You have overstayed your DARN time Gonzales… After 20 plus years of corript leadership, bribing and stealing elections in St Vincent..
Take what you get!!
St Vincent does not belong to you!!
I AM NOT SORRY!!!!!
Vincentians are finally waking up. Wake up St. Vincent wake up. Some day citizens around the world like Belarus, China, North Korea, Georgia. Russia, The Emirates, Myanmar and those even on our local front will wake up some day. I don’t believe mankind was created to live under discriminations, oppressions, victimizations etc. etc. from man who only want to reign and inflict these harms upon man. Tis is madness. This Must end some day.
The people of the Caribbean are really result with their corrupt leaders as seen in Haiti, St. Lucia and now St. Vincent. I wonder if Gonzales had police security?
Hello Mr. Skerrit that’s all I saying. Last week it was the PM of St Lucia that was removed from office and today is the well armed and secured PM of St. Vincent that has a red tie ?
Its getting closer and I hope those who depend on the arm of flesh to protect them are taking note. Just a stronger and closer message
Please, please. I beg my fellow Caribbean people….we do not need Trumpism style idiocy violent politics in the Caribbean during this pandemic.
Perhaps in other countries, people are too selfish to care about the lives lost in the Pandemic….but let us be better. VIOLENT PROTEST against measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus DOES NOT HELP ANYONE at this point.
@Do Better
Read and follow the news….
The people are protestinng not only measures put in place to curb the pandemic. You are spreading FAKE news.. This guy, Gonzales, is like a dictator in St Vincent, so the people were protesting against myriad other issues.
STOP YOUR LIES!!!
Here goes Lennox’s puppet again
Was it Trumpism style politics that burned down and looted all those businesses in the US during the summer of last year? Several people died in those riots. Were those Trump supports burning and looting?
Why such ludicrous statement about “we do not need Trumpism style idiocy violent politics in the Caribbean during this pandemic.” Why recite such silly rhetoric fed to you and attached it to this matter. Don’t you THINK, is this matter relevant to some political ideology created and fed to yo, what you believe for yourself belongs to you. It is sad that such action lead to The PM being injured, hope it’s not serious or life-threatening.
In struggles for freedom and liberty violent protest and non-violent protest methods have worked and brought victory to defeat the common enemy tyranny with its agents masquerading as our savior, we must not just limit ourselves to these to two means in the fight for our liberty and freedom which is God ordained not bondage, we also have the means to use spiritual warfare. Our health and well-being does not belong in the hands of Big Pharma, The Medical Institution and Governments using one narrative 24/7 with the threat of some Law.
This isnt the whole story regarding the proposed legislation for changes to some front line roles in the public sector. This news story is therefore misleading.
ADMIN: What would make it complete? Please indicate exactly makes the article misleading.