A political back-and-forth has intensified between Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and East Kingstown Representative Fitz Bramble, after the Prime Minister reportedly mocked Bramble for “having no ambition” and “living with his mother” at age 64. The remarks, which surfaced during a recent political meeting, have drawn a fiery response from the opposition MP.
Speaking at an NDP meeting in Belmont, last evening Bramble made it clear that while he can handle political criticism, his mother is off-limits.
> “Ralph, you can say anything about me, but don’t call my mother’s name in your dutty-ness,” Bramble declared to an energized crowd.
The East Kingstown MP passionately defended his mother, who hails from Bottom Town, describing her as a strong and selfless woman who raised five children on her own.
> “My mother is the mother of five children with five different fathers — that’s my reality, and I am not ashamed of it. She raised all of us as a single mother who never got the opportunity to go to secondary school, not because she wasn’t bright, but because of socio-economic struggles,” he told supporters.
Bramble vowed that caring for his mother would always be a top priority, regardless of his political status.
> “Even when the NDP wins the election and I’m in government, my mother will remain my first priority,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for a family in Bequia who helped his mother during his upbringing, acknowledging their support in shaping his life.
Bramble ended his address with a sharp warning to the Prime Minister.
> “Ralph, I repeat — if you want to see another side of Bramble, continue to call my mother’s name,” he said, adding that “the more you talk, the more licks Luke Browne will get, and the more seats the NDP will win.”
“What Ralph should worry about is when he reaches my mother’s age is if any of his children would be willing to take care of him” Bramble said .