BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, AUGUST 28TH 2009 (PAM Secretariat) - The High Court of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has ruled that Attorney General Dennis Merchant was in Contempt of Court when the Labour Government breached the injunction. This reprimand and censure is a severe blow to the Labour Government.
The Court ruled: “ Litigants are not free to decide whether or not they should obey a court order. If this were so then it would bring the entire justice system into disrepute and enure to the detriment of the country.” (Point 45)
It just goes to show how far Denzil Douglas will err for political gain and that the Labour government lacks transparency and accountability.
Not only is this a very serious offence, but the entire Caribbean is now watching Douglas’ political scandal. Surely the Attorney General must consider his own role in the disruption of democracy in our Nation.
As the Judge said “Access to the court is a constitutional right and cannot be lightly treated. In all circumstances I am of the view that this is a very grave matter as it concerns the rule of law and the administration of justice and that the justice of the case demands that a finding of contempt of court be made against the Attorney General in his official capacity and calls for a reprimand and censure” (Point 48-49).
Thus far, there has been no apology or explanation delivered by the Attorney General for his own role in the Labour Government’s attempt to disrupt the democracy of St Kitts and Nevis.
According to the Judge: “Further, perhaps irreparable damage or prejudice has been caused to Mr. Richards as a result of the breach which resulted in the very thing he sought protection against taking place.” (Point 45)
Democracy is still alive regardless of their efforts to bring down our Nation for political gain. Indeed, the Labour Government will not be allowed to “…bring the entire justice system into disrepute and enure to the detriment of the country.” (Point 45)
It is time to ensure that accountability and transparency in government- Time For Change
