BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRIME MINISTER Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas said that his ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) is willing to sign the Code of Conduct for the political process, but only if certain issues are resolved.
During a press conference last week, leaders of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC), Christian Council and Evangelical Association indicated that opposition party the People’s Action Movement (PAM) was the only signatory to the Code.
The document, which is a product of all three organisations, was first published in 1995 and revised in July of this year. In addition to targeting political parties, it sets out behavioural guidelines for the Electoral Commission, political candidates and voters.
Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, PM Douglas stressed that his government was committed to ensuring that free and fair elections were held in the Federation.
“As one of the original architects of the Code, we feel strongly there is no problem with us signing on to aspects of the Code which speak to what we as the Labour Party can assure. But [the Code] also spoke to the Electoral Commission and the media,” he noted.
“These are independent organisations. We cannot be responsible for the affairs of other groups. But that part that speaks to the candidate, we are willing to sign. Once those things are specifically observed, then we have no problem at all with signing.”
The Kittitian leader revealed that an off-island engagement had prevented him from meeting with the three leaders last week, but declared he had expressed his concerns to them and was willing to reschedule the appointment.
SKNVibes contacted PAM Political Leader Lindsay Grant, who confirmed that his party had signed the Code in fulfilment of a promise made months earlier. He also urged other political parties to follow its lead and observe the guidelines of the Code.
“My party is proud to have signed the Code. We’ve been policing ourselves during our political meetings and overall conduct. Signing the Code is really just an affirmation for us, because we have already been operating within the confines of the Code,” Grant stated.
