Former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has sharply criticised the newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) administration, accusing it of mismanaging issues at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) and misleading the public on several national matters.
Speaking at a press hearing today, Gonsalves defended his administration’s track record, particularly regarding the maintenance and strengthening of AIA. He noted that under his leadership, the airport’s runway was properly maintained and supported by international contractual arrangements.
According to Gonsalves, his government previously worked with contractors from Taiwan on a technical agreement to reinforce the runway by mixing asphalt with concrete to improve durability. “We kept that airport well maintained,” he said, describing AIA as a critical national asset that requires precision and discipline. “In operations like this in SVG, the margin for error is very small. Leadership must minimise the extent of error.”
“There Should Never Have Been Flight Cancellations”
Gonsalves took issue with the recent temporary disruptions at AIA under the new administration. He argued that the NDP, which has been in office for just over ten days, created what he called “an embarrassing situation” by allowing flight cancellations over runway concerns.
He singled out Minister of Transport Terrance Ollivierre, suggesting the minister should have prepared himself for the aviation portfolio and should not have raised the issue publicly in a manner that could damage confidence in the airport.
“They are now saying there is a problem with the airport runway,” Gonsalves said, adding that such cancellations “would never happen under my watch.”
Gonsalves: “NDP Is Building Its Proposition on a Lie”
The former Prime Minister also accused the NDP of shifting responsibility onto him and the former ULP administration.
“No matter what they do, they cannot change the historical record,” he said.
Turning to the government’s Christmas road work programme, Gonsalves argued that the NDP is “on a clear path of deception.” He stated that:
- The ULP had already left a $3 million envelope in place for the annual Christmas road work.
- Workers traditionally receive at least eight days of employment during the programme.
- The NDP, he claimed, attempted to reduce the number of workers while increasing the number of supervisors from their own constituencies.
Gonsalves alleged that the government interfered directly in hiring, claiming the NDP handpicked team leaders—including individuals who had previously run on NDP tickets.
“As Minister of Works for almost 25 years, I never recruited one person to work on the roads,” he said, insisting that under his administration, hiring was managed through BRAGSA officials—“the people on the ground who know the system.”
He further criticised the NDP for reportedly reducing the number of workdays available to labourers and for attempting to use BRAGSA equipment in a manner he believes benefits political supporters. “BRAGSA does not even have enough machinery,” he argued.
“If the NDP continues in government without curiosity, without understanding how things function, they will fall apart,” Gonsalves warned.
Comments on Cabinet Portfolios
Gonsalves also offered commentary on the structure of the new Cabinet. He described some of the newly created or combined ministerial assignments as “itsy-bitsy portfolios,” suggesting they lacked coherence and practical focus.
Gonsalves: “They Can Come Talk to Me—But Not About CBI”
In a closing remark that drew attention, the former PM said he is open to discussions with the NDP on issues related to national programs.
“If they want to have a conversation, they can book an appointment to talk to me,” he said. “But don’t come asking me about the CBI.”
The comments mark one of Gonsalves’ most direct critiques of the new administration since the NDP’s election victory, signaling the likelihood of heightened political tension in the coming weeks.
Additional Remarks from Former PM Gonsalves about Bonus Salary
Before concluding his statement, former Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves added another sharp critique of the new government, accusing the NDP of misrepresenting information related to salaries and bonuses.
Gonsalves said the NDP has been “tricking people” by suggesting that if a payment is labeled as a bonus, then it should be treated as a bonus salary. He argued that such explanations show a misunderstanding of basic terminology and financial principles.
“The NDP needs to know the difference between a noun and an adjective,” Gonsalves said, adding that the government must communicate public payments accurately and honestly.
He warned that misleading language could confuse workers and create false expectations regarding salary structure and bonus classifications.
1 Comment
I’m sure the NDP need plundering lessons because they have no idea how to do that.