I am disheartened, disappointed and wish to vocalize my disapproval at the state of politics in Nevis.
Let me outline my reasons:
The day that SC Judge Lionel Jones delivered his decision, I understood that PM Denzil Douglas through Nevis Premier Joesph Parry sent an additional group of police/military personnel to be certain there would be no demonstrations. From what I understand, they were in trucks and had guns visible. Since Nevisians are for the most part hard working and peaceful people, and the previous demonstrations about the elections were without incident, this reminds me of Bradshaw's tactics to intimidate people.
I have lived in and voted in Nevis since 1989 under three administrations, and was the Honorary Consul for Germany for St Kitts and Nevis. I worked with the NIA under Vance Amory and Malcolm Guishard and had no communication problems. It was easy to arrange for and administer money to pay for galvanized for roofing and related supplies after the 1994 hurricane. My point is that communication is important and I was always able to speak with either the Premier or his Deputy.
I have since retired from this position, but believe that anyone should be able to access the Premier with complaints or praise. It does not need to be done on his weekly phone program (copied from or because of “On the Mark”), but he should be available to individuals, whoever they are In his office.
As an example, I returned to the island in 2008 to find a cellular tower erected in my adsence on land I sold to Arthur Gilbert (formerly of TBN) that was in direct violation of caveats I had registered. I gathered the relevant documents, and went to the Premier's office. I was told to wait. After some time, his secretary told me he know all about the tower and he would call me. No such thing. It took a legal suit and judgement after many months for the tower to come down. I understand that one of the individuals in the planning department who objected to this tower was reassigned. I also have researched the economics of these towers: one in Alaska sells the transmission services for over US$3000 per month. I would like to know who benefits from this deal. on Nevis.
Personally, I was pleased that Mark Brantlley was vindicated for the most part in his suit. I am disappointed that the Leewards Times tried to spin the decision in favor of the NRP (how can one not be in denial to say “Judge declares election void: Brantley loses fight” [page 20].) The article refers to the 200 disenfranchised voters who were not immediately reinstated. I believe that the lawyers for the NRP ought to think about the purpose of the appeal: is it only to vindicate the NRP and electoral officials' conduct?
It would be illuminating to know who is paying the legal bills of the NRP and Electoral Commission. Is this another adventure similar to the special counsel from Britian who was to investigate Marion Heights, got some publicity and never returned?
The filing of the appeal has put Nevis on hold. I can't believe this appeal is for the good of Nevis or to improve our electoral system. I also cannot imagine any rational individual or business initiating any new project or investment given our current situation. Although the Premier says it is business as usual, he is, in effect, functioning as a “lame duck” with little or no credibility.
