Labour Party calls on PM Harris for disciplinary action
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - TOURISM MINISTER Lindsay Grant has acknowledged the recent controversy caught on camera that has thrust him into the national and regional spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Grant, who had attending an event, berated officers for their efforts to shut down the activity for reportedly failing one aspect of the COVID-19 protocols.
That incident has resulted in the Minister being chastised by many in the public’s domain.
This publication was not in receipt of the full context of the incident from the videos making rounds in the Federtion, but the Commissioner of Police, Hilroy Brandy had indicate that he was awaiting a report from his officers before he could comment on the matter.
But Grant, in a statement issued last evening (Jan. 11), said that he understood the position that he holds, pointing out that he has heard all of the talk within the public’s domain and welcomes the police to investigate the matter to gather all the details.
“I have seen the videos, I have heard the commentary on the airwaves and I have read the messages regarding the incident between myself and the police officers.
“While the videos do not display the full extent of the incident that night, I do understand the position that I hold. I regret how the circumstances have been portrayed and I wish to assure the public, and the police in particular that I fully support their efforts at law and order.
“I encourage the police to gather all the evidence and to investigate the full context of the matter,” the Minister wrote.
The Opposition St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) has taken umbrage at Grant’s involvement in the incident and is calling for his resignation.
Dr. Terrance Drew, Leader of the SKNLP, said he found the actions of the sitting member of Cabinet “to be simply appalling” and also to be concerning against the backdrop of the spike in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
“Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris must enforce discipline within his Cabinet for this unforgivable breach of the law and the trust and confidence of the people who Minister Grant is called to serve and obey,” the SKNLP noted in a press statement.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Jonel Powell also cleared the air, writing that it was not his voice heard in any of the videos.
He noted that he was not involved in any altercation with the police at any time.
“I have had no altercation with any police officer and was not even in the presence of the officers when the recorded incident occurred.”
