BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IT was quite a scene in downtown Basseterre today (Mar. 10) when a trail of picketers followed the Speaker of the National Assembly the Hon. Curtis Martin through the streets of the city repeatedly shouting for him to “call the Motion”.
A couple of handfuls of Team Unity picketers gathered just outside Martin’s place of employment - the St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank - at about 11:00 a.m. with their placards, an action which they are accustomed to take during the early morning hours of the day.
According to Unity leaders, the protest action is aimed at encouraging the Speaker to table the 14-month-old Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) expeditiously, defending democracy within St. Kitts and Nevis and sensitizing the public about the issues surrounding the MoNC.
Shortly before midday, the Speaker exited the Bank and headed east into the Independence Square, with picketers in hot pursuit, consistently yelling “call the motion...call the motion...”.
Without the aid of his “bodyguard”, Martin made his way through the Independence Square at the end of which he was joined by security personnel. SKNVibes understands that the Speaker - on a number of occasions - spoke to one or more of the protesters - indicating to them that they should not touch him.
Having made his way across George Street, the Speaker entered the premises of the Immaculate Conception Catholic School. And minutes later, he exited therefrom and took the same route back to the Bank.
And again, after exiting the Square, he - and two students of the school - entered the Bank while the picketers were in proximity with their placards echoing the same refrain.
And minutes after that, he again exited the Bank alone and headed west along Central Street before returning in a short period of time.
He was again shouted at by the picketers and having made his way to the top of the Bank steps, the Speaker appeared to have engaged one of the protesters. While pointing to one of them, he yelled “call the Marriott...” a number of times before yelling “thief” and entering the Bank.
SKNVibes heard a number of individuals complaining about the protesters’ behaviour towards the Speaker while others lauded their efforts.
The picketers reportedly remained outside the Bank for sometime before dispersing.
During previous interviews, leaders of Team Unity have indicated that the picketing action - which began in mid-February will not cease until the Speaker tables the Motion of No Confidence which was filed on December 11, 2012.
