2. Government & governance - September 2010 – September 2011
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Each year that passes, marks another milestone; be it an anniversary or a birthday. These highlights in our existence should be seized as opportunities to reflect and take stock of the past year, our triumphs, failures, lessons learnt and the application of these lessons to future endeavours.
Come Monday, September 19, 2011, the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis will be commemorating its 28th anniversary, having transitioned into independence on that day in 1983.
As we celebrate this milestone in our nation’s existence, there are several moments which stand out in one’s mind, and for some, the Federation and its people are worthy of commendation, and for others, a comprehensive look or review is of necessity.
Fifth Form students across St. Kitts were more than elated when the government of St. Christopher and Nevis made true on its promise and provided them with their very own Hewlett Packard (hp) laptop. The project, dubbed the One-to-One initiative, was aimed at equipping students with the tools necessary to ply the route to success.
Students on Nevis were not left out of the loop, and the Sixth Formers there were also fitted with their own laptops courtesy of the Nevis Island Administration.
In November of last year, months after the announcement was made, the Value Added Tax regime was implemented at a rate of 17 percent. While some were in total disagreement with its implementation, others were of the view that with just months to prepare, the implementation was too sudden and that more time was needed to ensure that all checks and balances were in place before the regime took effect.
Designed to generate revenue, VAT was said by Minister of Finance and Prime Minister of the Federation, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas to be a success, a statement which some have questioned.
July 11 was an important day in the history of St. Kitts Nevis, more specifically, Nevis, as it was the day that the people of that island went to the polls and re-elected the Nevis Reformation Party to serve for another five years in the island’s local government.
Dissention was the order of the day when the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) – prior to, during and after the elections – claimed that hundreds of names were illegally removed from the Voters’ List, thus disenfranchising persons who were eligible to vote.
The CCM has indicated that it is not pleased with the conduct of the elections and has filed an elections petition before the court which has yet to be heard.
A glimmer of hope presented itself when it was announced that the Electricity Department was to make the transition into a corporate entity at the beginning of August this year, to operate under the name, the St. Kitts Electricity Limited Company (SKLEC). The new entity was to have been run by a board and directors as opposed to being government-operated.
The change was made on August 1. What seems not to have changed, however, is the frequency with which the electricity supply is interrupted. Regularly, in some cases more than once per week, the electricity supply is interrupted which leaves the public questioning the promises of improved services.
It must be noted, however, that little more than one month has passed since the transition took place and according to a government official who spoke previously on the issue, improvement in the service would take time.
The Federation struggled with crime over the past year but managed to make some strides in the fight against it. Between last September and now, 30 persons lost their lives in senseless killings, 27 of which occurred this year. These 27 include the shooting death of the former Commissioner of Police Austin Williams’ son, Jamie Williams.
A number of non-government organisations expressed their concern with the state of affairs and, included in a list of suggestions to the government in dealing with the issue, were the removal of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security from that position and the replacement of the then Commissioner of Police.
As part of the solution, the anti-gang legislation was tabled in Parliament for debate amongst House representatives.
Only weeks ago, the baton of command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force was transferred from Austin Williams to Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn, who demonstrated from day one that he is serious about arresting the crime dilemma with which St. Kitts Nevis is faced.
Hours after, Prime Minister Douglas announced to the Nation that he is stripping National Security Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor of his police and defence force responsibilities and taking them onto himself. Condor was left with Immigration, NEMA, Fire and Rescue Services and Prisons and according to Dr. Douglas, Condor is now the Minister of Homeland Security.
Many more memorable moments were etched in the fabric of time of the year past, moments which speak of our continued growth as a nation and others which cause us to reflect on our mindsets and attitudes towards the Federation and its people.
What is it that happened during the past year that stands out in your mind? What is that occasion which you will not soon forget? What is it that transpired which you feel would be remembered and told to generations to come?
Feel free to post your comments below indicating those moments occurring in the year leading up to the Federation’s 28th independence anniversary which have stood out in your minds.
