Liburd believes MP needs to "grow up"
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A misunderstanding over sitting arrangements between Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Ian Liburd and Opposition Parliamentarian Hon. Konris Maynard, had seemingly led to an exchange of words and physical contact yesterday (Jun. 19) at the Opening Ceremony of the 42nd Regional Conference of the Caribbean,
the Americas and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
According to information reaching SKNVibes, two seats within a specific area were provided for Members of the Federal Parliament – one for the Government and the other for the Opposition – but both were occupied by Ministers of the Team Unity Administration.
On learning of the incident, this media house contacted Minister Liburd who stressed that Maynard “needs to grow up”.
In his explanation of what transpired, the Minister said: “What I can say is that I did absolutely nothing wrong. They accosted me and I said to Konris I have nothing to say to him. This is something that started back in the Parliament last week. He tried to approach me in the Parliament, he passed me earlier and he didn’t even say good morning, and I say why should I talk to him in the afternoon. And I say I don’t need to speak with him.”
MP Maynard however gave a different version of the incident and posted the following on his Facebook page: “Today I made a complaint to the Police which has resulted in a warning being issued to the Hon. Ian 'Patches' Liburd by the Police.
“Before the start of the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Parliament Association Conference at the St. Kitts Marriott, the Opposition was informed by the ushers that there were two allocated seats at the center tables for Members of the St. Kitts-Nevis National Parliament; one (1) for a Government member and one (1) for an Opposition Member. Just before we started we noted that the two seats were occupied by two members of the Government side in the persons of Hon. Eugene Hamilton and Hon. Ian Liburd. I calmly approached the two men and informed them of what we were advised by the ushers and further inquired if anything had changed. While Hon. Hamilton was willing to engage me to reach a resolution, Hon. Ian Liburd waved off my inquiry and told me that I should take it to 'Freedom'. To my surprise, Hon. Liburd then proceeded to elbow me away from the seats. I pushed his hand off of me. He then did it again and I pushed off his hand again. I then proceeded to the Commissioner of Police, who was present, to issue a complaint of the incident. I was then directed to Inspector Greaux who documented my complaint. He asked whether I wished to take the matter to the Court or have the police warn Hon. Liburd. I chose for the police to warn Hon. Liburd.
“Hon. Ian Liburd was then informed by the organizers that indeed the seat was allocated for an Opposition member. He then rose and left the proceedings even before the opening ceremony started and did not return.
“I am very disappointed with the behavior of the Hon. Ian Liburd and wish to state publicly that this is not the first time the Minister has used intimidatory antics and actions toward me.
“Consequently, I have chosen to make this complaint because I have become increasingly concerned about the words and now actions of the Hon. Ian Liburd toward me.
“This type of behavior is certainly not what I expect from Honorable members of our National Assembly. While we have our political differences it should NEVER manifest itself in any type of violence or innuendo of violence or rhetoric of violence from any side of the political aisle. As Members of Parliament we should always aim to be role models for all people of our nation and in particular our youth.
“It is totally unacceptable for anyone, and especially a Member of Parliament, to commit battery against anyone including another Member of Parliament. To whom much is given, much is expected!”
When asked if he had received a warning from the police as stated by Maynard, Minister Liburd did not respond to the question but instead said: “I think Konris needs to grow up! And as a married man, he should grow up and stop shedding crocodile tears.”
