Opposition alleges intimidation of public servants ahead of ULP meeting 

By Val Matthias. Updated 1:33 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Opposition Leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves has said public servants, including teachers, nurses and police officers, attended a recent Unity Labour Party (ULP) National Council meeting despite what he described as attempts at intimidation ahead of the event.

Speaking on his Good Morning Comrade programme on Star FM on May 22nd , Dr Gonsalves said the meeting at the Russell Auditorium on Tuesday May 19th  saw what he called a “massive turnout” and strong enthusiasm, which he claimed came in the face of online threats allegedly linked to supporters of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP).

He alleged that some individuals had attempted to discourage attendance by suggesting public servants could face repercussions, including threats relating to job security and promotion prospects.

“They told the police that, they told the teachers that, they told the public servants that, they told the nurses that,” he said, referring to what he described as warnings directed at state workers.

However, Dr Gonsalves said a significant number of public servants still attended the meeting, arguing that their presence reflected their constitutional right to freedom of association.

“Lots of public servants, teachers, nurses, police turned up, because it’s their right to associate freely,” he said.

The Opposition Leader also used his broadcast to defend the political rights of public sector workers, stressing that they are entitled to participate in political activity while continuing to carry out their professional duties.

He pointed to what he described as legal reforms introduced after his party came to office in 2001, saying a previous restriction dating back to 1980–81 had prevented public servants from engaging in political expression without official permission.

“One of the first things we did when we came to office in 2001, we changed that law,” he said, arguing that the change allowed greater freedom of expression for public employees.

Dr Gonsalves rejected suggestions that public servants should show political loyalty to any administration, describing such claims as “a cock and bull story”.

Instead, he said public officials owe allegiance to the Constitution and the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and must act within the law when carrying out their duties.

“You give allegiance to the government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.

He also cautioned that public servants are not obliged to follow unlawful instructions, adding that responsibility ultimately rests on individuals who act improperly, even if directed by political figures.

END