BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LEADER of the Opposition, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas has accused the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Michael Perkins, of allowing “the lawmaking body to be used as a political theatre”.
This is according to a press release sent this afternoon (Nov. 14) by Erasmus Williams, which noted that it was part of a statement made by Dr. Douglas following a situation that took place this morning in the House of Assembly.
The release stated that Dr. Douglas’ statement came hours after it was drawn to his attention that at the start of this morning’s sitting of the National Assembly, Speaker Perkins had read into the records of the Parliament a letter purportedly written by Minister Eugene Hamilton, Member of Parliament for Constituency Number Eight, raising questions about his (Douglas) qualification as a member of the lawmaking body.
“It is quite unfortunate that the hallowed chamber of Parliament is being used as a political theatre, facilitated by the Speaker, in a useless attempt to rekindle the dying political fortunes of (Prime Minister) Dr. Timothy Harris and some of his cohorts,” the release quoted Dr. Douglas as saying.
It also pointed out that Dr. Douglas is overseas and could not have attended the National Assembly.
“I reiterate the point that the Parliament is being used as a political theatre because Dr. Timothy Harris, Mr. Eugene Hamilton, Speaker Michael Perkins and all members of Parliament are well aware that under our Constitution, the Parliament of our land in and of itself cannot address matters to do with the qualification of members to sit in the Assembly. This is a matter which only the Courts of our land can determine.
“For Speaker Michael Perkins to read Mr. Eugene Hamilton's ill-conceived letter into the records of Parliament is irresponsible and reinforces the public's views of the Speaker a bias arbiter of the Parliament's business,” Douglas said.
The former Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Six also reportedly said that Hamilton's letter “is nothing more than a political gimmick that he is performing under instructions from his failing leader Dr. Timothy Harris”.
“Secondly, he said, “Prime Minister Harris, as a consequence of his ever dwindling political support among the electorate of St. Kitts and Nevis, has sought to engage in political distraction. Recent polls (September 2017) conducted in St. Kitts reveal ever-growing disenchantment with Prime Minister Harris. Sixty-five percent of the residents and citizens are dissatisfied with the leadership of our country and only 29% are satisfied with the failed leadership of Dr. Harris. On the other hand, 63% of the populace favour my leadership. These are the facts and figures that have incensed Dr. Harris – his failed leadership and his desire to resurrect his ill-fated political career.”
He disclosed that the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, which he leads, would shortly unveil the team that is seeking to lead the affairs of the nation after the next general elections.
Making reference to Prime Minister Harris, Dr. Douglas said: “His day is coming and coming sooner that he thinks. And when that day comes, St. Kitts and Nevis will again be Number One.”
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