BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE controversial decision to remove the place of birth from the St. Kitts and Nevis passport was based on advice by Government consultants Henley and Partners, according to Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas.
Dr. Douglas was at the time responding to allegations made by Leader of the Opposition Hon. Mark Brantley, who stated in Parliament yesterday (Dec. 11) that as a consequence of a number of errors involving St. Kitts and Nevis’ passports, including the removal of the place of birth, have contributed to Canada having concerns about the twin-island Federation.
The Prime Minister however debunked the notion, claiming that the decision was based on advice from the Government’s consultants upon establishing the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF).
“That was an advice given to us by our consultants who were working with us with the SIDF programme.
“Henley and Partners’ Chris Caleb wrote officially to our Government and advised the Government…officially by the consultant who first came and helped us to create the SIDF and reviewing the Citizenship By Investment Programme, and it was accepted by the Cabinet and by the Government.”
He added that at the time there was no objection to the matter from the then Minister of Immigration, Hon. Sam Condor, or anyone in his Government.
“There was no objection by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time. The Minister of Immigration, no complaint, nothing…(it was) accepted by the Government. The Member for Number Three was the Minister of Immigration at the time…(and there was) no objection what so ever.”
He then gave a rationale as to why Caleb advised to have it removed.
“According to Mr. Caleb, he had researched the matter…and he thought it was okay so to do. He said it was okay by the international organisation that was responsible for those matters…and so we accepted it.
“This was not an idea from anybody in the Government.”
Dr. Douglas then informed that Canadian citizens have the option whether or not they want the place of birth printed.
“Canada, for example, does not have that (place of birth) unless you request it. I am saying to this Honourable House and to this country, if you were to receive a Canadian passport on the application, it is optional.
“They warn you that you can get into a problem across the border in other countries if you do not have it, but you have a choice weather to have it or not.”
In response to the Prime Minister’s allegations, Condor refuted the accusations and indicated that he was informed of the matter by individuals on the street.
“The first time I became aware the place of birth was taken out is when it was drawn to my attention by several persons who went to get their passports. The Prime Minister sent to print the passports without my knowledge.
“When I became aware of it, I approached the Member for Number Six. He said that nothing was wrong. He then told the then Attorney General to research it. The Member came back and said it is optional.”
