BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MEMBERS of opposition party the People’s Action Movement (PAM) have spoken out about treatment they received at a visit to Tuesday’s (Oct. 20) Parliament session, claiming that House Speaker Hon. Curtis Martin was “grandstanding”.
PAM Political Leader Lindsay Grant, Party Spokesman Chesley Hamilton and Slieh Boncamper were in the Visitor’s Gallery during the last sitting of the National Assembly when Martin threatened to eject them for “disrespectful behaviour”. According to him, that behaviour consisted of giggling, loud talking and the waving of a white handkerchief.
Said the Speaker, “I will not allow this Honourable House to be used as a political place...if you are a visitor, please act as a visitor or I will ask you to leave.”
However, Grant and Hamilton denied any wrongdoing in the course of Parliament’s proceedings. Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, both men were adamant that Martin had misinterpreted their actions.
“I take my job as PAM Political Leader seriously. I take my commitment to lead this country seriously, and I take the fact that our country and the youth of this country require leadership that is to the benefit of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I did absolutely nothing but sit down and listen to the proceedings of Parliament. I was quite surprised when the Speaker spoke about the House being disturbed by visitors,” Grant stated firmly.
Hamilton admitted he did have a white handkerchief, but said he had been offering it to the Hon. Shawn Richards rather than waving it at the government’s side. He accused Martin of casting aspersions on his character.
“At no time did I wave the handkerchief like a flag. Neither did Mr. Grant nor Mr. Boncamper. At one point, I dangled it from my fingers to ask Hon. Richards if he needed it,” he explained.
“[Martin] made an issue out of a non-issue. He felt he needed to grandstand. If that is the only news coming out of Parliament, then we are truly in a sad state.”
SKNVibes contacted Martin, who insisted that the three men had “behaved like children” and that there was no discrimination in his leadership of the House.
“Their behaviour was not in keeping with the decorum of the House. They were giggling and talking, and Mr. Hamilton waved the handkerchief at least four or five times.”
He added, “There is no bias whatsoever. As long as I am there, both sides must conduct themselves appropriately. I don’t hold sides.”
