BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Coalition of the Chamber of Industry & Commerce, and the Christian Council and Evangelical Association of St. Kitts are currently organising what could be the Federation’s first National Political Debate.  In a statement issued on Wednesday, NGO Coalition Chairman, Bishop Ron Dublin-Collins, announced that the Coalition has written the leaders of the four major political parties on the subject, with a tentative debate date of January 20, 2010. 

In a memorandum dated January 13, 2010, the NGO Coalition outlined to the leaders of the four political parties that engagement in national political debates is long overdue.  Hence,

“The NGO Coalition is of the firm view that the level of election campaigning must be urgently elevated in the Federation - as a true demonstration of the political maturity and democracy which our people should have attained and enjoyed after 26 years of Independence”.

The NGO Coalition memorandum went on to outline that a practice of political debating also serves to develop a more well-informed and better educated electorate who will then approach the polls with the facts regarding the ideologies and proposed policies of candidates seeking their vote to lead the Country.  This knowledge then gives the electorate an opportunity to “determine whether the candidates’ philosophies and campaign promises are congruent with their own beliefs and vision for our Nation,” the document added.

This proposed first national political debate is being planned with a165-minute duration (2.75 hours).  The NGO Coalition has also advised that the debate shall take place with a minimum participation of two (2) candidates, and should address the following three key topics with strict time-lines:

1. The Economy  - (national debt, consumer prices, investment
climate)
2. National Security  - (crime, the environment, immigration, food
security)
3. Social Development  - (civic empowerment, national identity,
community-based leadership)

The NGO Coalition is awaiting the response of all four major political party leaders to the proposal of the first national political debate.  Meanwhile, the Coalition is currently finalizing the venue of the event.