St. George’s, September 15, 2012 – The Public Relations Officer of the NDC, Arley Gill, has hailed the “regional integration spirit’’ of the Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Former Senator Gill made the remarks following a report from St. Vincent that Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, had assisted Grenada with loans over the past few months.

The money was said to have been made available to Grenada through a borrowing facility at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

There has been no confirmation of the report from Grenada government officials.

“If the report is true, it is commendable act on the part of Dr. Gonsalves,’’ Gill said.

“Here’s a man and a comrade who is willing to come to the assistance of a CARICOM neighbor and friend; in a demonstration of the spirit of regional integration; and in keeping with the tradition of some of our best-known regionalists such Maurice Bishop, Michael Manley and Patrick Manning.’’

The National Democratic Congress, said Gill, thanks Dr. Gonsalves for his “extreme act of kindness and generosity to the Grenadian people.’’

The Vincentian Prime Minister’s action has been the subject of some criticism, including from the Public Service Union that has been seeking wage increases for its members.

“Even knowing that he might have faced criticism from his people, Dr. Gonsalves still felt the situation in Grenada warranted his help. It’s another measure of this Caribbean statesman who has been a fearless and courageous leader in his economic policies and foreign policy initiatives,’’ PRO Gill said.