BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - PRIME MINISTER of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has proclaimed that he is open to the option of placing term limits on politicians in the twin-island Federation.
While delivering his New Year’s Day Message, Dr. Douglas declared that the public ought to be handed a chance to make such a decision.
“Moreover, the people of this country must be given the opportunity to decide whether they wish to impose time limits on politicians. I believe in this matter the people of this country must be permitted to vote in accordance with their consciences and not based on party affiliations.”
Dr. Douglas, who has already served close to 25 years in Parliament, further stated that he stands ready to subject himself to the decision of the public and is of the opinion that the limit should be applied retrospectively.
“As for me, I stand ready to yield to the will of the people and I believe any time limit imposed must be applied retrospectively to periods already served.”
He also reiterated his call for Parliamentarians to honour the mandate bestowed upon them by the electorate.
“It is important that Parliamentarians remain true to the mandate given to them by the people. They must not represent to the people in election campaigns that they subscribe to the ideals of a political party when they know from the outset they have no intention of working with that party after elections to implement the programmes indicated in the manifesto.”
The Prime Minister also called for measures to be put in place to increase answerability of politicians.
“We must therefore find ways in strengthening the accountability of politicians to the people that they serve.”
