BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts – HON. Mark Brantley, Leader of the Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in the Federal Parliament, has labelled Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas’ national address “a disappointment” and contemptuous”.
In a speech broadcast Monday (Dec. 7) on ZIZ television, Douglas announced a December double salary for public servants, a waiver on customs and duties on the importation of paint and a relaxation of the electricity fuel surcharge until 2010. The Kittitian Leader also revealed that the annual budget debate, which normally occurs in December, would not be held until after general elections (constitutionally due by March).
Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, Brantley expressed his displeasure that Douglas’ message had not touched on this pertinent national issue.
“I think the Prime Minister’s speech disappointed many...myself included. What people want to hear from him is a date for the election. I believe the entire nation was tuned in hoping that was what he was going to speak about,” said the Nevisian politician. “He still continues to walk around with the election date in his back pocket and the nation is at a point of great anxiety as we wait for the date we can choose our next government.”
Brantley insisted he was pleased that public servants would receive the additional revenue, and urged them to exercise caution with their spending. He however noted his frustration at the “obvious political gimmick” pulled by Douglas.
“I’m very happy for our hard-working civil servants, that in these very difficult economic circumstances that they will be receiving a little extra income for the Christmas and Carnival season. I encourage our people to be prudent with their resources on the understanding that we are still in very difficult economic times.”
“I believe that the timing of the announcement demonstrates certain contempt for the people of the country and a certain feeling by the Prime Minister that he can somehow purchase the support of the electorate. If I can think I can buy your vote, I’m contemptuous of you. It’s obvious it’s a political stunt. He didn’t do it last year or the year before, because there was no election then. But he does it this year because an election is coming.”
The Opposition Leader called on policymakers to create proper policies in relation to double salaries so that those benefits would not be left to “the whims” of any politician or political party.
Brantley also offered his opinion on the contents of a poll done in November by the Caribbean Research Development Services (CADRES). Last month, Senator Nigel Carty claimed that the poll showed that 60 percent of the population wanted boundary changes, a statement CADRES Political Consultant Peter Wickham vehemently denied in later media reports.
“It is clear that representatives of the government did try to mislead the nation in relation to the suggestion that the poll was done which showed that 60 percent of people wanted boundary changes before the next election. Clearly that is not true, and Senator Carty should apologise for his obvious attempt to mislead.
“The reality is that party operatives forget their primary role as government ministers are to give people accurate information. That is why they end up in misleading the nation, because they start to think in terms of party, not in terms of country,” added Brantley.
