BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 22nd 2009 (PAM Secretariat) - The People’s Action Movement (PAM) said yesterday that it was very troubled by the Dr. Denzil Douglas-led administration in effectively being able to address the escalating crime wave that has already claimed 23 lives for 2009.
PAM’s Leader Lindsay Grant said that he and his party are very troubled and strongly suggest that Dr. Douglas resigns so that competent individuals could take the reign of government in an attempt to restore law and order.
“It is claimed that the escalating crime wave is as a result of a high number of illegal weapons. While this may be partly true, the Government continues to fail in ensuring that the citizens’ lives are safe, and with the significant ineffective resources that the police are made to work with crime and violence will continue to be an issue,” the party’s Leader said.
Grant pointed out that with the recent increase in homicides and shooting incidents continue to send shockwaves far and wide, while many are questioning the Government’s ability to protect persons from gun-toting individuals who are bent on creating fear.
“If women and men, boys and girls are no longer safe then we are all faced with a devastating issue that certainly cannot be addressed by the present administration. The question that many would be asking themselves is how many more must die before Dr. Douglas concedes that he no longer has the trust and faith of the people,” Grant said.
The party noted that it has grown tired of the Minister of National Security’s excuses, noting that he (Prime Minister) has failed to address a number of key issues. The party’s Leader also pointed out that the Minister of National Security was able to leave the Federation during very difficult and challenging times to attend social and other functions that are not as important as some of the key meetings that he failed to attend at home.
“It is evident that as Minister of National Security, the Prime Minister has lost credibility,” Grant said. The PAM’s Leader further stated that with the numerous unfolding events taking place in St. Kitts and Nevis, it also “raises questions about the efficiency of the Denzil Douglas-led administration”.
Regardless of the reason, Grant said, “The fact remains that suspicions have been aroused in how many of the crime situations are handled, and we strongly believe that until the Labour Party demits office issues will continue to be raised.
“In order to quell suspicions and scorns that have bestowed the government unfortunately, the Prime Minister should call elections so that the public can decide who will handle their affairs for the next five years.”
Grant stressed that with elections, the public would make their voices heard through the casting of their votes for a PAM administration. He said that, at the same time, the PAM reiterates its position that only democratic held elections would be tolerated by his party, adding that the atrocities and illegal acts that were committed in 2004 would not be tolerated this time around.
