Recent international events have posed considerable questions regarding global insecurity. The multiple manifestations of this encompass radical and extreme religious world views, environmental degradation, food insecurity and the movement of peoples. Of particular urgency is global terrorism.

While it is clear that the Caribbean is not impervious to the reality of international terrorism, it can be argued that the peoples of the region do not know enough of how prepared their countries are.

In the latest installment of the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) Distinguished Lecture Series, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will explain the nature of this reality, the extent to which Caribbean countries are affected, or might be, and their levels of preparedness. As a major player in CARICOM, the Prime Minister will outline regional plans to counter this issue.

The event, which is slated for Thursday, 16 June, 6:00 pm at the UCCI Sir Vassel Johnson Hall, is free and open to the public. “Citizens need to be educated about this phenomenon and must know what contingencies their governments have put in place. If they are not satisfied with these, they must demand more from their governments,” said Dr. Livingston Smith, Chair of Social Sciences and Director of Research and Publications at UCCI.

“This is an excellent time to discuss, learn and explore various possibilities with a regional head of government such as Prime Minister Gonsalves,” he said.

Dr. the Hon. Ralph Everard Gonsalves, known as “Uncle Ralph” or “Comrade Ralph”, is the leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP). Gonsalves became Prime Minister after his party won a majority government in the 2001 general election. He has remained in his position since then, winning the elections again in 2005, 2010, and 2015.

Concurrently, while pursuing his political career and prior to his becoming the Prime Minister, Dr. Gonsalves practiced law extensively and successfully before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in a broad range of matters. His areas of concentration include constitutional law, criminal law, administrative law, matrimonial law, real property law, the law of tort generally and the law of contract.

Dr. Gonsalves has researched, written and published on a range of matters touching upon the Caribbean, African, trade unionism, comparative political economy, and developmental issues. Among his publications are: “History and the Future: A Caribbean Perspective” (Quik Print, St. Vincent, 1994) and “The Politics of Our Caribbean Civilisation – Essays and Speeches” (Great Works Depot, St. Vincent, 2001). His two latest publications are “The Areas of a Prime Minister” and “The Making of the Comrade”.

“We are delighted that Prime Minister Gonsalves has accepted our invitation to discuss such a timely and relevant issue. We also look forward to welcoming the general public to his distinguished lecture which is under the kind patronage of UCCI Board Chair Lemuel Hurlston,” said Dr. Smith

Prime Minister Gonsalves is the fourth speaker in the UCCI Distinguished Lecture Series. He joins other eminent personalities such as Professor Trevor Munroe, Executive Director of the National Integrity Action (NIA); Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth; and Washington lawyer Jack Bum, who is an expert on white-collar financial crime and international tax evasion.