BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – REPRESENTATIVES of opposition party the People’s Action Movement (PAM) have met with members of the National NGO Coalition in an attempt to prevent boundary changes proposed by the Constituency Boundaries Commission (CBC).
PAM Political Leader Lindsay Grant confirmed that an emergency meeting occurred last evening (Dec. 2) after his party made the request to the NGO grouping late yesterday afternoon. He explained that the “urgent” appointment was called to solicit the Coalition’s input about suggested modifications to the electoral limits.
“The Coalition published a Code of Conduct for the Political Process and they have established a monitoring committee to ensure adherence to the code. We wanted to keep them abreast of recent developments; that is, the government and the CBC’s move to change the boundaries,” revealed Grant.
“We indicated our concerns and fears for instability if the boundaries should change. And this is not something that only my party is fearful of. We are feeling the pulse of the nation and, at this late stage with all of the CBC’s machinations, the boundaries should not change until an enumeration exercise is completed.”
The PAM Leader said his party would now wait for whatever decision or action the grouping would take.
The CBC is a constitutional entity with the mandate of altering and reviewing electoral boundaries in the Federation. It is currently the subject of a judicial review application brought by opposition Parliamentarians Hon. Shawn Richards and Hon. Mark Brantley.
During the course of proceedings, PAM lawyers were able to obtain minutes of the CBC’s November meetings in which the proposed boundary changes were recommended and discussed.
Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, Chairman of the NGO Coalition Bishop Ron Dublin-Collins revealed that a response to PAM’s request would be forthcoming sometime next week. He noted the meeting had been “cordial” and “respectful”, and said the membership would consider all its options before reaching a conclusion.
“PAM discussed its concerns and position regarding the work of the CBC and its proposed changes that were released in court. They requested that the committee review its position and are seeking its assistance in addressing what they see as a breach of the Code as far as injustice and unfairness.
“The committee received the concerns expressed by PAM and is in discussion as to what our position is and what response will be given,” Collins added.
Grant expressed confidence that the Coalition would come to “a fair and objective” decision, and divulged that his party had also requested that it look into the recent destruction of PAM billboard in St. Peters.
