BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 20TH 2009 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has reaffirmed his personal and his government’s commitment to the rule of law.
“All institutions have a role to play in advancing peace and stability in our fair land and in providing a climate in which our young people could grow and flourish as they put their many talents to good use for their own benefit and for the continued progress of our Nation,” said Dr. Douglas in his 15th Independence Message to the Nation as Prime Minister on Tuesday.
He said that the importance of institutions in advancing peace and stability was amply demonstrated in the recent court hearings in respect of the constitutional issues surrounding the Constituency Boundaries that were brought before the Court.
“In particular, the Court has been able to hear evidence from the Prime Minister, Government Ministers, Opposition Politicians and other prominent persons in our Society, with a view to arriving at a decision in a matter of critical importance to the entire nation,” said Dr. Douglas.
He noted notwithstanding the heightened emotions of many people, the court proceedings were smooth and peaceful, and the authority of the Court has been respected by all of our citizens,” said Dr. Douglas.
“In particular, in my role as Prime Minister, I have taken particular care to comply with all lawful requests of the Court and I have relied on the advice of an abundance of Lawyers, inside and outside of our Federation, to ensure that our Constitution Laws are respected at all times,” said Dr. Douglas.
He said he is also persuaded that the Attorney General of the Federation, Dr. the Hon. Dennis Merchant has the highest respect for the Court and the instructions of the Courts.
“I remain hopeful that the court processes would, in time, definitively establish his very high regard for the Court,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who expressed the view that the “peaceful and respectful way in which the constitutional issues are being resolved speaks volume about the strength of our democracy.”
“It demonstrates to our young people, that disputes can be settled peacefully by recourse to the institutions that we have created for that purpose,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
