“Not a credible finger of corruption, nepotism and or dishonesty can be pointed,” says PM
 |
| Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas,Hon. Rupert Herbert and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor,Hon. Delano Bart,Hon. Jacinth Henry-Martin at "Face to Face 2004". |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (MARCH 11TH 2004) – St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas said his Labour Party Administration is unswervingly committed to free expression and the sharing of information.
He told a packed and overflowing auditorium at the “Face to Face 2004” Wednesday night, that the event shall remain a permanent feature of his Government’s efforts to promote and foster greater accountability on the part of decision makers.
“This is an issue that we campaigned hard for while in Opposition and one that we shall continue to champion while now in government, not only for the last nine years, but for the ninety years to come,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who noted that his discussions with several other political figures across the Caribbean region and the world, suggest that St. Kitts and Nevis continues to blaze a trail as far as freedom of speech and transparency in governmental affairs are concerned.
“Some colleagues in the region think it is a major risk on my part to expose the Cabinet of ministers of this country and to expose myself to wide-ranging questions and other scrutiny from political friends and foe alike. I personally beg to differ,” remarked the Labour Party leader.
He said that in discussing the rationale of “Face to Face” to non-residents of the Federation,
 |
| A section of the large audience. |
he has had reason to boast of his own satisfaction and pride in presiding over a government that is in its ninth year and against which, to date, “not a credible finger of corruption, nepotism and or dishonesty can be pointed.”
“I used the term “credible” because the silly season is upon us, with general elections constitutionally due by March of next year, and one would expect our detractors of this government to mount a smear campaign,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
“One well understands the party politics that is played out at this time, but the fact remains that apart from the weekly asides, which are intended merely to rally the troops and keep party loyalists energized, no serious or informed accusations of administrative misbehavior can or has been leveled against any of my ministers, and for this I wish for you to give them all, a round of applause,” said Prime Minister Douglas at the event moderated by noted Caribbean journalist Mr. Johnson Johnrose.
