BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DWYER ASTAPHAN has responded to criticism levelled against him by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas, calling the comments “unfortunate” and a “misrepresentation” of his character.
“I speak my mind; I’m firm but respectful. So if that constitutes in Douglas’ mind an attitude to have my way or to twist and turn people, he needs to re-examine his analysis because that is not true,” Astaphan said.
In an interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation aired on Sunday (July 19), Douglas was pressed for a response to allegations made by Astaphan in January that he was a dictator. The Kittitian leader said that while he had firm and strong opinions, he was “a supreme democrat”.
“People will call you a dictator when they can’t twist and turn you and that’s not going to happen here. I know that I am a supreme democratic person. Astaphan felt that was not the way he wanted to function in a Cabinet because it is not every member who believes that he is right must always have his way,” Douglas responded.
Astaphan, a former Minister of National Security and a member of Douglas’ Cabinet for 13 years, shot down the idea that his resignation was in line with Douglas’s claims.
“If I wanted my own way and I was not having it, why did I carry on for 13 years? If every decision had to go my way, why did I stick around for so long in the face of so many decisions that did not go my way? That shows I was committed to making a contribution as part of a team.”
He added, “The record of the Cabinet shows unanimity but the reality is different. Cabinet is defined by vigorous and passionate debate. There are people with different opinions and perspectives.
“I went into Cabinet elected by the people of Central Basseterre. Every time I was elected, I won by a bigger margin. That meant to me that the people entrusted me with their confidence, faith and instruction to represent their interests. I was always loyal to the team of Cabinet, to the party, but my fundamental loyalty was and continues to be to those who elected me and the people of St. Kitts,” Astaphan stressed.
The relationship between Astaphan and Douglas has been strained since January, when the former held a press conference calling for the latter’s resignation. Since then, the Prime Minister has expressed no intentions of stepping down and his former Cabinet colleague has been tight-lipped about any support he may give in the upcoming general elections.
However, Astaphan said he was compelled to respond to Douglas’ comments because of the effect it would have on people’s perception of him.
“It is a mischaracterisation of me. If I did not respond, there would be people not just in St. Kitts and Nevis, but in the Caribbean thinking Astaphan left Cabinet because everything was not going his way. And that is totally untrue.”
