Opposition Leader Denies Allegations, Signals Defamation Action Against Media Outlets 

By Val Matthias. Updated 4:14 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has strongly rejected allegations concerning his wife’s business operations at Argyle International Airport, announcing that attorneys are preparing defamation claims against IWitness News and The Vincentian newspaper. 

At a press conference held at the Unity Labour Party headquarters, Dr. Gonsalves described the claims published in local media as “completely untrue” and confirmed that legal correspondence is being drafted on behalf of his wife, Eloise Gonsalves. The allegations stem from an opinion piece authored by lawyer and commentator Jomo Thomas, which he said was false and defamatory. 

Dr. Gonsalves insisted that Highflyers, the restaurant operated by Mrs. Gonsalves at the airport, provided meals voluntarily during the Hurricane Beryl response without charging government agencies or aid organizations. He denounced the claims as “a clear, dastardly lie.” 

Addressing IWitness News operator Kenton Chance, who attended the press conference, Dr. Gonsalves said “expect a lawyer letter”.

The Opposition Leader explained that the restaurant space at Argyle International Airport was publicly advertised before the facility opened, but no applicants came forward at the time due to doubts about viability amid low passenger traffic. Mrs. Gonsalves, he said, invested her own capital to establish Highflyers, absorbing financial risk during the airport’s early years. 

He added that the restaurant was cross subsidized from her other ventures and that rent was paid in accordance with agreements set by the airport authority. Dr. Gonsalves confirmed that his wife’s attorneys have begun issuing correspondence to the outlets involved.

As of press time, IWitness News and The Vincentian had not issued public responses to the Opposition Leader’s statements. 

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