BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 12th 2009 (PAM Secretariat) - A very prominent local lawyer is of the view that the Douglas-led administration should act maturely and respect judicial orders.

The lawyer noted that what is urgently needed in St. Kitts and Nevis are stiffer penalties for Government breaking and refusing to respect judicial orders. The lawyer made reference to the recent issue of the Attorney-General being found guilty within the court and his refusal to step down. He also spoke of the Prime Minister losing the boundaries case but is still pursuing his deliberate and desperate attempts at changing the boundaries.

He opined that there is an urgent need for a Constitutional Court, noting that such a court would be used to deal expeditiously with matters dealing specifically with constitutional breaches. He however stressed that such a court would not help if the Douglas-led Government does not respect judicial orders.

“We in St. Kitts and Nevis need to see a general respect for the rule of law…It is not as simple as adding another court.”

Making reference to what he called a major example of a total disregard for the court, the lawyer said the PM’s actions demonstrate that he is bigger than the rule of law and therefore set the precedence for judicial orders to be ignored and disrespected.

According to the lawyer, given that display at the highest level of the Federation by the PM in his disrespect for the courts, it is not surprising that the Labour Party Administration continues to disrespect judicial orders in a number of electoral matters. He also noted that despite a key worker for the campaign of Marcella Liburd was found to have had drugs in his possession, she or any of the candidates have not sought to clear the air.

The lawyer also pointed to a number of discrepancies including the abuse of the rules and regulations governing the Federation for discriminatory and other purposes; the escalation of corruption and other illegalities in every aspect of national life; the denial of just and legitimate rights of many citizens; the violation of human rights by institutions and agents of the State; and the breach of agreements and commitments made by the Government to political parties, the private sector, international organizations and Governments.