The attack on Dr Gonsalves, which has now been classified as an attempted assassination, occurred on August 5, 2021, during a protest concerning amendments to the island’s Public Health Act. The amendments, according to local media, would make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for frontline workers

Dr Gonsalves was struck by a stone just above his temple. The stone was allegedly thrown by an opposition protester, as Dr Gonsalves made his way back to parliament. A woman has since been arrested.

Caricom has since released a statement calling the attack an affront on democratic principles.

"The conduct of peaceful protest is a fundamental civil and political right that represents a healthy element of our democracy. Its degeneration into violence and physical assault must be denounced unreservedly,” CARICOM said on Friday, August 6, 2021.

Premier Fahie, in a statement on Friday evening, August 6, 2021, said, “Your Government agrees with the statement issued by CARICOM following yesterday’s assault of St Vincent Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves by a protester while the Prime Minister was on his way to the Parliament.”

The attack on Dr Ralph E. Gonsalves which has now been classified as an attempted assassination with arrests made, happened on August 5, 2021, during a protest concerning amendments to the island’s Public Health Act.

No place for Violence in democracy - Premier Fahie

“The violence that was displayed against Prime Minister Gonsalves was shocking and reprehensible. It has no place in a democratic society. This COVID-19 era is a time for unity and for working together.”

The Premier further reminded that now is a time to be supportive of each other rather than a time for violence. “We can have our differences without resulting to measures of this level.”

While Premier Fahie acknowledges that vaccination remains a controversial issue in many countries, he said in the VI, freedom of speech will be respected.

“I want to reiterate… your Government cherishes freedom of speech and democracy. We fully support the right to express yourselves and to criticise your Government. But this must be done in a respectful and lawful way,” the Premier said.