Opposition Leader seeks CPA intervention in Federal Parliament
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE 42nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Conference opened this morning at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, and it is geared towards focusing on how Parliaments in the region and the media can work together for a democratic society.
With delegates, observers and Speakers from the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic regions gathered in the Federation for the week-long meeting, it would see them engaging in discussions under the theme ‘Enhancing democracy through the use of Parliamentary System and the media’.
Addressing the gathering at the opening of the conference, Speaker Michael Perkins stated that the theme was chosen because there is a need for a lot more to be done to enhance “our democracy”, adding he is of the view that they could not do this without the media’s input.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the media – that fourth branch of governance or the fourth arm of government as it is common know by over years - is important. We know that there is a love/hate relationship between politicians, Parliamentarians and the media, but it is my hope that during this conference, while we discuss during our plenary sessions, that we would continue to discuss and analyze why we had this love/hate affair.”
Speaker Perkins, who has been at the center of much controversy with the Opposition, is hopeful that “in all that we do, that we foster a better relationship between the media and Parliament”.
Opposition Leader the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas expressed similar sentiments with regards to the media playing a critical role in a democratic society.
He however used that forum to voice his disappointments in what transpired during the local sittings of Parliament.
The former Prime Minister said: “Having exhausted other means, I have brought this matter to the attention of this conference. It is my hope that this conference can be used to restore rationality and propriety to the proceedings of our Parliament.”
He pointed out that the meeting plays a pivotal role in demonstrating the commitment of the Speakers of Parliament and all Parliamentarians in strengthening and advancing the parliamentary democracy, rather than undermining it.
In an effort to drive home his point on the accusation of treatment meted out to members of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament, Dr. Douglas, on several occasions, cited a quote from Abkar Khan, the Secretary General of the CPA.
“If indeed Parliament is a key pillar of our democratic system of government, we must pay more than lip service in this region to stemming the callous undermining and retrograde disposition of some of our Parliaments. We owe it to ourselves and to this and future generations, because a people who have known democracy will resist any and all attempts to reverse the course of our democratic evolution by any and all means.”
The Opposition Leader further stated: “This is beneath us; it is retrogressive, barbaric, un-transparent and unbecoming of the very core ideals of our Parliamentary System of democracy.”
Meanwhile, Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Shawn Richards said he is extremely delighted that after 17 years the St. Kitts-Nevis branch of the CPA is hosting the meeting again.
He implored the delegates to not only ensure that they highlight the importance of the media, but also to ensure that they are incorporated.
“For quite some time the good office of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has sought to urge Parliaments and their members to champion the protection of the media in support of good governance and democracy, and has been a pioneer in this regard.”
This is the second time St. Kitts and Nevis is playing host to the conference, with the first being in 2000.
