Statement by The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
I strongly condemn the violent assault which took place yesterday, 5 August 2021 on the duly elected Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Hon Ralph Gonsalves, during a protest in the capital Kingstown.
There is no place for violence in our democracies. Freedom of association and peaceful assembly are cherished fundamental values and I encourage all stakeholders in St Vincent and the Grenadines to recommit to peaceful dialogue, including through parliamentary debate.
Anyone responsible for the heinous assault on Prime Minister Gonsalves should be expeditiously brought to justice.
The Commonwealth family wishes Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves a strong and speedy recovery.
