The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has made a statement regarding the recent strike on an alleged drug boat in local waters. In a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s office, Gonsalves clarified that his government did not give authorization for the attack, which was carried out by the United States.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the involvement of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government in the matter. However, Prime Minister Gonsalves has vehemently denied any involvement and has assured the public that the government had no prior knowledge of the strike.
“I want to make it very clear that my government did not give authorization for the recent strike on an alleged drug boat in our waters. We were not informed about it, nor did we give any permission for such an action to take place,” stated Gonsalves.
The Prime Minister went on to explain that the government has strict protocols in place for handling such situations. According to him, any foreign military operation in the country’s waters would require prior consultation and approval from the government. And in this case, no such approval was given.
Gonsalves expressed his disappointment with the way the incident was handled and has called for an investigation into the matter. He emphasized that St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a strong relationship with the United States, but it should not be taken for granted.
“We have always maintained a good relationship with the United States, and we value that partnership. However, it is essential that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected. We cannot allow any foreign military operation to be carried out without our knowledge and consent,” Gonsalves asserted.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about the alleged involvement of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard in the operation. He clarified that while the Coast Guard was aware of the incident, they were not involved in the strike and were merely monitoring the situation.
Gonsalves further assured the public that his government is committed to fighting drug trafficking and will continue to work closely with international partners to combat this issue. However, he stressed that any actions taken in St. Vincent and the Grenadines must be in accordance with the country’s laws and procedures.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Gonsalves reiterated that his government had no role in the recent strike on an alleged drug boat in local waters. He urged the public to remain calm and assured them that the government is taking the necessary steps to address the matter. The Prime Minister also expressed his hope that this incident will not affect the strong relationship between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the United States.
