Submitted by Nathan ‘Jolly’ Green Jnr
Hello, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines & Barbados.
For those who knew my father, and those who know me, I want to share something deeply personal and important. My father was a man blessed with a rare gift—an ability to analyze and write with clarity and insight. His words found their way into many publications, touching countless readers. I spent much of my spare time by his side, learning from him. He was a good, honest man who cared deeply about people. Many of you met him at functions and meetings, and through him, I came to know many of you as well.
My father held a strong and unyielding dislike for Ralph E. Gonsalves. He had followed Gonsalves’ life closely—from his early days in school through his political career—and formed firm opinions. My father believed Gonsalves to be a deeply malicious and destructive force, shaped by a Marxist ideology and closely linked with the Grenada revolution. He saw Gonsalves as a Cuban mole, a belief he held until his last breath. I share that view.
Even today, Gonsalves consistently aligns himself with Cuban interests at the United Nations and partners with governments like Venezuela, which bear close ties to Cuba. One glaring example is the awarding of the Argyle International Airport contract to Cuban contractors. This contract was riddled with flaws—the absence of penalty clauses for delays meant the project overran by nearly two years, yet payments of over $300,000 a month continued unabated. Had the contract been properly structured, such overruns would have cost the builders dearly.
My father believed that every chapter of Gonsalves’ life is marred by toxic political views and a personality steeped in narcissism—a dangerous mixture that often erupts, causing pain and division among Vincentians.
So, what exactly is a narcissist? Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition marked by an excessive focus on oneself, a relentless need for admiration, and a glaring lack of empathy. It borders on a kind of insanity where the individual feels entitled to special treatment, is a habitual liar, and will go to extreme lengths to destroy anyone who opposes them. To the people they seek to control, narcissists can appear charming and friendly; to those outside their circle, ruthless and vindictive.
Here are some traits that define narcissism:
• An unyielding need to be the best, to control everything and everyone.
• Constant craving for attention and validation from others.
• A strict demand for perfection—of themselves, others, and events.
• A refusal to take responsibility, always blaming others to maintain a flawless image.
• A lack of boundaries and empathy, seeing everything and everyone as extensions of themselves.
• Deep-seated insecurity masked by arrogance and a fragile sense of self.
• Chronic lying and manipulation, often believing their own fabrications.
Ralph Gonsalves possesses a magnetic charismatic personality that draws many Vincentians to him. This emotional attraction, based on charisma rather than physical appearance, explains the devotion of his followers. While he may have been somewhat attractive in his youth, time and weight have altered that. Yet, his intelligence—what some call sapiosexual appeal—continues to captivate mainly black women of all ages in Saint Vincent. Those with equal or superior intelligence tend to see through the facade and find him repugnant.
There have been allegations of sexual assault against Gonsalves by several women. Thanks to his legal acumen, he has managed to deflect these accusations without ever facing court. This pattern fits the narcissistic tendency to manipulate situations for self-preservation.
We know that according to the Catholic Church Gonsalves was born a bastard and remained a bastard all his life, his parents never married. Could that be what caused him to be the way he is, is that a burden he carried all his life?
That is such an obnoxious word, a nasty name to pin on someone. But people are still called a bastard but for reasons other than birth, they are called that name to describe them and their behavior towards others. It is a detrimental word with a dual use. Some people may consider it a swear word, but it is not, it is a biblical term and a biblical word.
It’s believed that narcissism often stems from childhood trauma—being rejected, shunned, or unloved. Stories say that Gonsalves was ostracized by relatives as a child, forced to sit outside their homes, never allowed inside. More notably, he was born out of wedlock at a time when such a birth was seen as a grave stigma. The term “bastard” was not just a label but a brand of social rejection. Could this have shaped the man he became? The burden of such a label, and the pain it brings, often leaves deep scars.
Today, birth outside of marriage is common and no longer grounds for such harsh judgment. Yet the word “bastard” still carries weight when used to describe someone’s character or behavior—a dual-edged sword that can wound deeply.
In closing, the story of Ralph Gonsalves is a complex one, woven with power, charisma, controversy, and a shadowed past. Understanding the man behind the public figure requires looking beyond the surface—at his history, his psychology, and the impact he wields on our nation.
For those who want to explore more, I recommend these thoughtful pieces:
• • Why Would An Ex-African Slave Society Want A White Leader? https://www.thenewtodaygrenada.com/letters/why-would-an-ex-african-slave-society-want-a-white-leader/
• • The Volcano Is Going Off—What Volcano?
• • He Killed The Truth In Saint Vincent
• https://timescaribbeanonline.com/he-killed-the-truth-in-saint-vincent/
Rape cases roil Caribbean island nation – Los Angeles Times
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