St. Vincent and the Grenadines — While at a protest organized by the New Democratic Party (NDP) and two trade unions, Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, was struck in the head by an object thrown at him. The blow to the head caused Prime Minister Gonsalves, 75, to suffer a concussion and need medical care.  

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Bloodied. Photo credit: Reuters

Protesters came together to rally against the move by his government to have front-line workers vaccinated against the coronavirus.  The protesters decried the move by Parliament to approve amendments to the Public Health Act.  The amendments now mandate that public sector employees be classified as front-line workers who must receive vaccines against an illness that has triggered the declaration of a public health emergency.

Prime Minister Gonsalves traveled to Barbados to receive medical care for his injuries. He said that “by the grace of God Almighty, I am doing well and on the mend. It is confirmed that there are no neurological deficits. However, I have suffered a concussion and must be monitored over the next four to six weeks. But it could have been far more serious.

“I take this assault as not just an injury but also look to the intent of the throwing of this projectile at me. The intent was to cause grave harm, even death. 

“It is equally culpable: the person who threw the stone as are those who instigate and continue to instigate disgraceful events that threaten my life and the lives of others.

“There is one person whom I hold responsible, and it is not just the person who did the direct act. We can have our disagreements, but to cross the line into violence is unacceptable in a democratic society,” he said, adding, “By all means, exercise your right to protest, but that gives you no right to do violence toward anyone.”

St. Vincent and Grenadines police have not yet released any details regarding the investigation into the incident.