With all this lies, deceit and declines in the economic performance of the industry the country has to seriously review and analyze Minister Skerrits proficiency as a tourism Minister, particularly in light of his actions since this most serious incident,” says Hon. Shawn Richards.
Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Richard Skerrit, has come in for further scathing criticisms in his handling of the recent tourist robbery fall out. This time from Senior Opposition Parliamentarian and People’s Action Movement Deputy Political Leader the Hon. Shawn K. Richards.
Skerrit was blasted by Richards and labeled dishonest and hypocritical as Richards pointed to Minister Skerrits recent statement that his “NO COMMENT” stance on the tourist robbery issue was his policy regarding matters in the hands of the police, as the basis for his scathing comment. Richards referenced an incident that took place in 2009 regarding the vandalisation of an “It’s Working” Tourism billboard where Minister Skerrit was quoted in a Press Release published on sknvibes as saying “This is an absolute disgrace. Whoever did this should be ashamed to call themselves Kittitians.
This national campaign is designed to sing the praises of St Kitts and Nevis - for all of us.”
In the July 2009 release Skerrit further stated “Tourism is fast becoming the lifeblood of this Federation . To burn these boards is an attack on the livelihoods of every decent citizen here; on our jobs; our economy; our entire society. This campaign is about Kittitian pride. Why would these people want to undermine our country in this way?"
The Release went on to indicate that the matter was still under police investigation.
During a Press Conference held on Tuesday, Skerritt confirmed that he did in fact give no comments to two news outlets that approached him. Skerrit said that he gave “NO COMMENTS” because it was his policy not to give comments on a matter whilst a police investigation is ongoing in said matter. However the actions taken by Minister Skerritt in the incident alluded to above and detailed and highlighted in the Press Release shows a stark variance in Minister Skerritts policy then and now. Hon. Richards however is of the view that Minister Skerrit was simply deceiving the country.
“17 tourists robbed and cruise ships pulling out and the best thing the Minister of Tourism has to offer is “NO COMMENT”,” said Senior Opposition MP Hon. Shawn K. Richards.
“Minister Skerrits statement that it has ALWAYS been his policy to give “NO COMMENTS” on matters being investigated by Police was a blatant untruth as has been highlighted with the revelation of his comments regarding the vanadalisation of the “It’s Working” billboard last year. He is deceiving the country, frankly speaking” said Richards. “When that incident occurred in July last year within hours the Minister came out in the strongest possible language to condemn the act and its perpetrators. Are political billboards more important than the 17 violated tourists, the livelihood of thousands and the very existence of our main economic driver Tourism?” Richards Questioned.
Richards joined colleague Hon. Eugene Hamilton in questioning Skerritts competence. Richards said “ In light of the Ministers recent actions or inactions as well as his blatant lie to the country and or convenient memory regarding his personal policy Minister Skerrits competence and ability to properly manage our tourism product must be questioned. Just last week the IMF revealed that tourism has been on a decline in St.Kitts-Nevis since 2006.
However the Minister has been telling us different. In fact he has questioned the credibility of the IMF. The IMF is one of the most respected and credible institutions in the world. With all this lies, deceit and declines in the economic performance of the industry one has to serious review and analyze Minister Skerrits proficiency as a tourism Minister.”
The local or international press has yet to be given an official comment regarding the robbery by Tourism Minister Skerritt.
