BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RENOWNED historian Washington ‘Washie’ Archibald today (Dec. 21) staged a one-man protest in front of Government Headquarters with a cross slung over his shoulder.
The social commentator said the cross, which bore the words ‘Deliver us from evil, our cross is heavy’, was a symbol of suffering and he was protesting against the hardships imposed on the nation by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas.
“We are suffering from hardship under this government. The Douglas government has imposed hardship on its citizens. It has removed happiness from us, and the pursuit of happiness is one of the hallmarks of democracy. But we are not happy, we are sad because of the very severe sufferings, and the cross is a symbol our suffering,” Archibald said.
He claims that Dr. Douglas is a dictator and noted that he was also protesting for the voiceless.
“As we look at Denzil Douglas, we see that he is taking over…he is a dictator. He has taken over dictatorial powers and he is gradually eroding the process of democracy in this country. We believe that he is the present evil, and not only just evil but dangerous evil. And that is the reason why I am protesting on behalf of those people who do not have a voice to protest for themselves,” Archibald added.
Archibald noted that the cross was heavy and “it is a symbol of how heavy the burden is for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis under the administration of Denzil Douglas”.
In response to why he was like the Biblical voice in the wilderness and did not have any other protesters with him, Archibald said, “This one man is really a reflection of the many people who would like to protest but who feel intimidated, or they feel afraid to come out and express their feelings; so they suffer in silence. And so what this one man is doing is expressing the silent groans of the many people who are suffering at this Christmas time in St. Kitts.”
The historian declared that he would be return to the same venue tomorrow with a different placard and would continue as often as necessary.
He however wished that citizens and residents would join him in his quest but noted they may be afraid of losing their jobs.
“I wish that some people would get brave enough and join me, but if they don’t…that is alright, because I understand that people are afraid of losing their house, losing their jobs. This country is in a situation where people are afraid to exercise their democratic rights because of what they will lose. And when you get into a state where people are afraid to exercise democracy because they are afraid that what they have will be taken away from them, it is a very serious thing. And it is something that we have to see. Some prophet will have to see it and come ahead of time to warn the people…and my job is that of a messenger to warn the people of oncoming danger.”
Asked what solution he has to his perceived problem, Archibald said, “The removal of Dr. Denzil Douglas.”
