Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines confirmed he personally sent US$5,740, or EC$15,500, to 31 Vincentian students in Jamaica. The funds were provided as immediate relief following Hurricane Melissa. Gonsalves wired the money directly to the Vincentian Students Association, VINSA, last Friday morning. He explained that this bypassed a potential seven-day delay for government processing.
Gonsalves, speaking at a Unity Labour Party rally in Chateaubelair on Saturday, said the action was motivated by compassion. During his remarks, he criticized Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday regarding a separate relief pledge from July for students affected by Hurricane Beryl. Friday later clarified that he personally matched the funds raised for that effort and distributed them. The students in Jamaica are reported to be safe.
Gonsalves, speaking at a Unity Labour Party rally in Chateaubelair on Saturday, said the action was motivated by compassion. During his remarks, he criticized Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday regarding a separate relief pledge from July for students affected by Hurricane Beryl. Friday later clarified that he personally matched the funds raised for that effort and distributed them. The students in Jamaica are reported to be safe.
