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PAM Parliamentarian Shawn Richards is openly challenging Prime Minister Denzil Douglas to answer questions about deplorable conditions at Camp Springfield. The PAM Parliamentarian also challenged the Prime Minister on allegations of missing weapons and poor treatment.
"The barracks, mess hall and kitchen at Camp Springfield are disgusting," said Mr. Richards. "They’re rat infested, termite infested and lice infested. Our soldiers deserve better and they deserve answers from their Prime Minister. Why did the Prime Minister neglect the Camp for years and allow conditions at the Camp to become so deplorable? Why has he not acted to improve living conditions at the Camp? Our soldiers deserve answers."
Richards continued, "We all know that there is a crime and murder crisis in the Federation. Yet, there are allegations of missing weapons from the Camp, including a 45MM Pistol. The last thing we need are political cover-ups from the Labour Government that result in more weapons on our streets. I call upon the Prime Minister to not only answer these allegations, but, to show documentation that reassures the people of St. Kitts & Nevis that all weapons at Camp Springfield are properly accounted for and not out on our streets."
Soon after their election in 1995, the Denzil Douglas government reestablished the military in the Federation. Since then, many have accused the Labour Government of using military appointments to pay off their political allies. But, as of late, poor conditions and treatment of soldiers along with political intimidation has resulted in low morale among our soldiers.
"Labour re-established the military, but, they haven't cared for it. Our soldiers are being treated terribly," Richards concluded. "There are no proper medical benefits for soldiers and their pensions are a fraction of what police officers receive. In our sister Caribbean nations, many ex-soldiers who quit because of economic necessity or are forced out use their military training for evil by becoming criminals and murderers. That's the last thing we need. It's time to treat our soldiers fairly and equitably. It's time for change."
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