BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 26th 2009 (PAM Secretariat) - The People’s Action Movement (PAM) has issue an appeal to the ruling St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party to act more responsibly by toning down their actions and rhetoric, which seem to be taking the beautiful Federation and their supporters down a path of dangerous confrontation.
The party claims that recent statements made by Prime Minister (PM) Douglas and a number of others, if not checked immediately, could spiral out of control. The statements include that of the PM when he said he is “10 man in one”, and those of Ministers Sam Condor, Asim Martin and Cedric Liburd, as well as the Labour Party’s candidate for Constituency 2, Marcella Liburd.
In a statement issued recently, the party called for the execution of professional and mature conduct by Ministers of Government headed by PM Douglas, along with other speakers at political meetings.
“The Federation is at a very grave stage presently with already 25 murders thus far recorded for 2009 and an unprecedented crime and gang situation with recent reports indicating that the Federation falls among the top within the region battling gang violence.
“Therefore, in such situations and with the motto of ‘country above self’, it is expected that political leaders conduct themselves that is respectable of themselves and worthy of emulation by the many youths who are desperately seeking role models. If such actions and behaviour continue unchecked, then we (politicians) would be promoting the same social ills that we preach about eradicating. As members of government and political leaders, we cannot and should not present such atrocious and despicable conduct to our supporters,” PAM said.
The party noted that the Federation is currently faced with grave problems and the government has a greater duty to act more responsibly, especially in times like these.
The party said that no one would benefit from the heightened tension. “These events that continue to unfold within our once very peaceful and tranquil nation indicate the growing disrespect and disdain that the ruling party continues to exhibit, thus demonstrating their uncaring and immature conduct for the citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis. We strongly believe that, in the circumstances, the religious community and other members of civil society are best poised to broker peace at this time.”
PAM further noted that leaders of government, opposition, and political parties must be accorded a right of respect befitting of a civilized society. In this context, the party added, the actions taken against civil workers and others in which they are threatened and victimized because they were involved some weeks ago in a whistle stop executed by PAM and the assault of the party’s Deputy political Leader, Eugene Hamilton, at Old Road where he was attacked resulting in physical harm, and the serious as attack on the wife of the party’s Constituency 3 representative Bernard Welsh, have to be interpreted as harassment, victimization, discrimination and an attempt to drive fear into opposition supporters which could have dangerous outcomes.
The party stressed that unless government is prepared to bring to light facts over numerous damaging allegations regarding members of the PAM that it continues to irresponsibly peddle on its political platform, it should cease uttering such statements immediately and ensure political meetings are executed in an atmosphere that is mature, responsible and one that the Federation’s youths would want to emulate.
