BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (JUNE 17TH 2004) – Political leader of the opposition People’s Action Movement (PAM) Lindsay Grant has been called upon to follow the instructions of the police and not to break the law when he staged an unlawful and illegal demonstration outside Government Headquarters in Basseterre.
Mr. Grant and a few supporters repeatedly refused the request of a senior police office to move to the side of the road and allow the traffic to flow.
“I appeal to all political leaders to conform to the limits of the law. Respect the police and comply with all instructions and directions and to appeal to their supporters to exercise restraint,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Meredith Charles.
Saying that the people would like to see a peaceful campaign free from violence, Mr. Charles used the opportunity to request each political party to respect the views of another party.
“Let us all act as mature people. Remember St. Kitts and Nevis belongs to all of us,” said Charles in a statement.
Contacted for a comment, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Erasmus Williams said he was informed that the People’s Action Movement had not applied to the Commissioner of Police to mount a demonstration and also had not applied for permission to
Grant and other members of his party executive refused repeated police requests from a Police Inspector to move out of the way and allow the free flow of traffic.
According to Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Erasmus Williams, no permission was granted for the PAM to demonstrate.
“This morning when I went to work, I saw the yellow van of the People’s Action Movement with the speakers mounted parked outside government headquarters and as the day progressed, people told us what was happening. Around 11:30, I observed about 15-20 persons including Mr. Grant and some PAM Executives walking towards Government Headquarters,” said Williams.
“I heard Mr. Grant say to the small crowd that they should stand up there and don’t move. Vehicles wanted to pass, one of which I realised was a vehicle belonging to the police. One or two officers went to Mr. Grant, pleaded for 15 to 20 minutes with him to move and allow the traffic to pass and he repeatedly refused. He persistently refused,” Williams added.
He continued that the police officers had asked Grant more than once and pleaded with him to move, but he refused.
“I am being told that the march was illegal. The PAM did not apply and did not get permission to march. Mr. Grant is a lawyer; other leaders of the PAM are lawyers and they should know that they must respect the police and that they too are not above the law,” said Williams.
