BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WHILE lawyers of the two major political organisations in St. Kitts and Nevis were busy in Court yesterday (Jan. 28) receiving the judgment from Justice Marlene Carter in relation to the injunction denying the use of the new constituency boundaries, supporters of both had gathered outside the Court in anticipation of a decision in their favour.
The Independence Square was painted a sea of red as hundreds of Labour supporters gathered in that area, while, on the other hand, supporters of Team Unity were significantly less in support but had lined South Independence Square Street.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. pandemonium broke out among the Labour Supporters as news had leaked to them that the judge had discharged the injunction, paving the way for use of new boundaries in the upcoming General Elections.
Minutes after the judge’s decision was handed down, Leader of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas surprised his supporters in the Square before being crowded by hundreds of them, who cheered and chanted “we want the boss”.
Dr. Douglas addressed the audience in the Square and announced that the Governor-General, Sir Edmund Lawrence, had already signed the writs of election to be held on the new boundaries.
He indicated that he would be announcing the elections date later that evening in Buckley’s and encouraged them to attend. He and the supporters then exited the Square and headed for Church Street.
Unity supporters however remained at their post even after the decision was made and counsel for the Opposition were making additional deliberation to the judge regarding an appeal.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Labour Party candidate for Constituency Eight, Dr. Terrance Drew described the judge’s decision as a demonstration of justice and fairness.
“I think what happened in Court today was justice and also fairness. I think the Constitution requires fairness when it comes to boundaries.
“This Labour Government has been trying to bring about changes for some time now but they have been frustrated in the Court by the Opposition over and over again. But today has proven sometimes the course is long but you will always get it right in the end.”
