The main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) says it recall, with deep appreciation, the long-standing bi-lateral co-operation and mutual assistance between Kingstown and Caracas “and pray for a resolution of the current crisis, in the best interests of the Venezuelan people”.
The NDP said that as the socio-economic and political situation in Venezuela becomes increasingly precarious, “our concern for the safety, security and general well-being of the people of that regional sister country occupies our greatest consideration at this critical time”.
The NDP urged “the protagonists in the country, in particular, as well as all external parties, to be guided by that primordial humanitarian principle.
The NDP said that in accordance with its constitution, as the oldest active political party in SVG, it has “actively worked to forge lasting relations with the governments and people of Latin America, even before the attainment of political independence in 1979.
The NDP, which was in office from 1984 to 2001, said that in government, they have “consolidated and extended interstate relations, firmly based on mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs.
The NDP said that having been in opposition since 2001, it is “fully aware of the less salubrious manifestations and frustrations of democracy through abuse of government power over the people.
“Even now, some three years after the last general election in SVG, in December 2015, the people are awaiting the decision of the courts of law in relation to petitions filed in a situation where the government holds a narrow one-seat majority for a second consecutive election. It is a clear case of justice delayed being justice denied,” the NDP said.
Last week, founder of the NDP Sir James Mitchell, a retired politician, said that SVG ought to support the opposition in Venezuela, where Juan Guaidó, president of the National Assembly, has declared himself the nation’s president.
“Our position here, whether we stand up with the United States, or we stand aside, our choice will be known historically…” the former prime minister said on radio.
“In my view, we have a lot of debt with Venezuela and we should bear in mind, if there is a change of government, the first thing we should be doing is lobbying to make sure we get rid of all the debts and get our debts from Venezuela written off,” said Sir James, who was prime minister from 1984 to 2001.
His comment on Wednesday came one day after the government, in response to a question from Opposition Leader and NDP president, Godwin Friday, said that voting against the Jan. 10 OAS resolution on Venezuela “was the right thing to do”.
“It was the principled thing to do. You would observe, Mr. Speaker, that of the 19 votes for the resolution, only five of 14 CARICOM members voted for the resolution. And there were eight CARICOM members who did vote for the resolution. We are upholding international law,” Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Louis Straker said in response to a question from Friday.
What a mealy-mouthed response from a pack of moral cowards. At least the government has a clear and unequivocal position on this matter even if it is wrong headed.
Kenton, when I read the articles here I often question myself in reference to my understanding English (1984, University of Reading, English for University). I’ve concluded that I don’t understand Vincy English very well or what you really mean with some of the things you write. Now I think that you, Kenton Chance is an opportunist at best. That you are a ULP man and you are more often than not biased. I often have to head over to News784.com to compare and check the facts of what you are reporting from a second source. I’m am going to collect all the captions in IWNSVG.com because some of them are truly Biblical.
OK. We know exactly the position of James Mitchell. We know the position of the government.
Now after all that mumble jumble from the NDP, I am still trying to figure out what exactly is their position on Venezuela. Is James Mitchell speaking on the behalf of Dr Friday and the NDP?
Do the NDP support the “elected” Maduro or the self declared leader, Guaido? Or some other alternative solution to this impasse, a military coup, getting rid of both Maduro and Guaido? Fresh elections?
WTF Friday, pick a side!
PS: Did the NDP make a mistake in electing Dr Friday as leader of the party? Talk about low energy. Gonsalves and his administration got their arses handed to them in recent court rulings one after another… Something that Dr Friday should be going bat sh!T crazy in lambasting Gonsalves, instead we get some Luke wam responses from him… SMH.
Dr Friday=vote of NO confidence.
Dr. Friday, what are you talking about?