WASHINGTON, DC – CAMILLO GONSALVES, the Minister of Finance in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has firmly deniedd any interest in becoming the next Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), amidst growing public discussions surrounding the cost of a new official residence for the Bank’s head.
Speculations about Gonsalves potentially being lined up for the role surfaced after controversy erupted earlier this year over the EC$22 million price tag for the Governor’s residence in St. Kitts. Gonsalves has however dismissed the rumour and unequivocally stated: “I am not qualified for the position.”
In an interview with SKNVibes News in Washington, DC, the Finance Minister elaborated: " No, there is no chance of that. That I believe is a mischievous perspective by people who are trying to politicise a legitimate issue that has been raised by the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines about expenditure at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank."
The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, had formally written to the incoming Chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, urging an investigation into the reasons behind the escalating cost of the residence. He described the 10,000-square-foot building as an example of “lavish spending” that is out of step with the “economic struggles” faced by citizens of the currency union.
The issue has sparked widespread discussion both within and outside of St. Kitts and Nevis, with many calling for a full review of the project.
Addressing the matter on his Browne and Browne Show, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne said:
“What I can say, though, is there’s no evidence that the Governor himself had sought to be excessive, and certainly I don’t know that I have seen any case of corruption or so that would, you know, create an issue in terms of undermining the governor’s integrity.”
Camillo Gonsalves criticized the suggestion that he was being positioned for the role as both “mischievous” and “insulting.”
"I think it's also insulting to suggest that a country can't raise an issue legitimately unless there's some ulterior motive that somebody wants to post," he said.
“I'm not qualified to be the Governor of the Central Bank, and I have no interest in the post.”
