Former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has alleged that poor and vulnerable citizens are facing increasing hardship following his party’s crushing 14–1 defeat to the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the recent general election.
Speaking during a Facebook livestream two days ago, Gonsalves reflected on the aftermath of the election loss and shared several accounts which he said illustrate the struggles now being faced by ordinary people.
According to the former prime minister, one individual was compelled to visit his private residence after unsuccessfully seeking assistance from the Ministry of National Mobilisation. The person, he said, was attempting to secure support to help bury a relative but was reportedly told that no assistance could be provided.
Gonsalves further claimed that the same individual then went to the Office of the Prime Minister, where she was allegedly informed that help could be offered for the matter. He used the example to question what he described as inconsistency and confusion in the delivery of public assistance under the new administration.
In another allegation, Gonsalves said the woman reported an encounter with a public servant working at the Office of the Prime Minister, whom she claimed was placed there under the NDP government. According to Gonsalves, the public officer allegedly told her that “Santa Claus is not here anymore,” a remark he said was directed at him and symbolised what he described as a dismissive attitude toward citizens seeking help.
The former prime minister did not name the public officer involved, nor did he provide documentary evidence to support the claims. However, he insisted that the stories being shared with him point to growing distress among the poor and working-class population since the change in government.
Gonsalves said he felt compelled to speak out despite no longer holding office, adding that he remains concerned about the welfare of citizens who depend heavily on state support.
The NDP administration has not publicly responded to the specific allegations made during the livestream.
