BASSETERRE, St. Kitts-THE unprecedented rise in violent crime and murder over the past few weeks has prompted Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas to question if there is a “correlation” between the incidents and calls for early general elections.
During yesterday’s (Mar. 10) airing of the radio programme “Ask the Prime Minister”, one emphatic caller asked the PM if it would not be a good idea to call the general elections now and “get them over with” so that whichever party wins would be able to focus fully on the crime problem without worrying about political campaigning.
“It is interesting that the caller would zero-in on this,” Douglas said, “that because of the crime and violence in the country, just call the election and get it over with. Is there a relationship therefore, one has to ask, between the violence and crime of today and the calling of general elections?”
Constitutionally elections could be called as late as March 2010, though Douglas said during the broadcast that tradition would likely see them called before the October 2009 anniversary of the convening of the last general elections.
With a great deal at stake in the next general elections and the Labour Government coming under increasing scrutiny for the gun crimes being rampantly perpetrated in the Federation, the PM said he had to question if some persons were attempting to use crime to sway the political climate in their favour.
“I would definitely like to know what the correlation is here. If the caller has information pertaining to this, then let us discuss it, because I am sure the country would be very pleased to know exactly what this correlation is.
“If there is anyone out there so sick to think that by the perpetuation of crime and violence it is going…to force a general election, that person is making a sad mistake,” he warned.
Furthermore, Douglas said that if such tactics were in fact being used or encouraged by persons for political gain they would have no influence upon his decision as to when the elections would be called.
“I believe that the elections will be called at a time when it is most likely to ensure that not only the country is secure and safe…but also when the climate is conducive to those who continue to do business with St. Kitts and Nevis.
“There is no need to rush any election, and I want to make it absolutely clear…if there is anyone out there who thinks that by the use of crime and violence it is an instrument through which an election can be forced, then that person has something coming,” the Prime Minister portended.
