The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, has confirmed that the eligibility of dual citizenship candidates will be decided in court. He stated that his Unity Labour Party had previously objected to the nominations of New Democratic Party leader Godwin Friday and East Kingstown candidate Fitz Bramble due to their Canadian citizenship. Gonsalves cited constitutional provisions which he said disqualify individuals owing voluntary allegiance to a foreign power.
He referenced a prior Court of Appeal ruling involving former St Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, which found that holding a foreign passport signifies such allegiance. Gonsalves pointed out that Friday had acknowledged carrying a Canadian passport, while Bramble reportedly confirmed his status during his nomination interview.
Despite these objections, both Friday and Bramble were successfully nominated. Friday characterized the objections as a failed attempt to remove him from the ballot, asserting that the upcoming election is the real contest. This matter is expected to result in litigation during the general election period.
He referenced a prior Court of Appeal ruling involving former St Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, which found that holding a foreign passport signifies such allegiance. Gonsalves pointed out that Friday had acknowledged carrying a Canadian passport, while Bramble reportedly confirmed his status during his nomination interview.
Despite these objections, both Friday and Bramble were successfully nominated. Friday characterized the objections as a failed attempt to remove him from the ballot, asserting that the upcoming election is the real contest. This matter is expected to result in litigation during the general election period.
