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| Members of the Electoral Reform Consultative Committee during a public exercise at the Basseterre High School |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 9TH 2006 - Nationals of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis living in New York and the surrounding areas get an unprecedented opportunity to discuss plans to reform the electoral laws and regulations in the twin-island Federation.
Outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Dr. Joseph Christmas, in a letter to nationals informed them that the Electoral Reform Consultative Committee, in keeping with their mandate of holding consultations with Nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis, will be convening a Town Hall Meeting for all interested persons, in New York on Sunday October 22nd 2006 at 5:00 pm.
Dr. Christmas said that the meeting will be held at "Maestros" located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York.
He said that the Committee will be referring to the Report of the Commonwealth Assessment Mission as well as the White Paper on a New Electoral Framework, which were included in a package for their information.
"The purpose of this Meeting is to update Nationals on the electoral reform process, and to listen to, answer and note comments, questions and suggestions. You are cordially invited to participate in this event with the Electoral Reform Consultative Committee," Dr. Christmas said.
~~Adz:Right~~Besides meetings throughout St. Kitts and Nevis, the ERCC has met with nationals residing in St. Maarten, Anguilla, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Changes made to the election laws and regulations by the former People's Action Movement (PAM) in 1983 and 1984 without any consultation of the political parties and non-government organisations and residents have been the subject of concerns by local, regional and international institutions.
The governing St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Government of Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, which received a mandate through its re-election to a third consecutive term of office, to reform the electoral framework, is confident that through proper consultation with all social groups, political parties, and the general public, it will ensure that these reforms guarantee that future elections in St. Kitts and Nevis continue to be free and fair and in keeping with the democratic and Constitutional rights, these reforms will not disenfranchise any voter as the reforms seek to introduce a modern and efficient electoral system.
~~Adz:Left~~The reform is expected to lead to a modernized electoral process with the introduction of a National Registration System, voters ID that will among other things assist citizens in accessing their rights and discharging their responsibilities.
The exercise has had widespread local, regional and international support from the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth, the OECS, local organisations, which are represented on Committees and the independent newspapers.
The Electoral Reform Consultative Committee is comprised of Mr. Newton (Chairman), Mr. Douglas Wattley, Mr. Clement "Bouncin" Williams, Mr. Clifford Thomas, Mr. Elvin Bailey, Mr. Clive Bacchus, and Ms. Mutryce Williams.
