BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – “DON’T blame me” was the message sent by Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas to those individuals who maintain that he, in some way, shaped, formed or influenced the result of the July 11 Nevis Local Elections.
Following the elections, the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) was returned for a second term in office and officially sworn in on the afternoon of July 12.
The NRP won three of the five seats with the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) winning the remaining two.
The election is seen by some as one of the most controversial elections to have occurred in the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis, as allegations of fraud, padding of the Voters’ List and disenfranchisement of persons legally registered to vote abound.
The CCM has charged that the actions of the Supervisor of Elections and, possibly those of the Prime Minister, have been to the benefit of the NRP and were a strong component in securing its victory at the polls.
Speaking on Tuesday’s (July 12) edition of his radio programme, ‘Ask the PM’, Prime Minister Douglas was adamant that he is not to be blamed for the outcome of the polls.
Dr. Douglas said he is certain that there are persons on Nevis who are not casting blame upon him for the elections result, and for those who are, “I want to make it clear…don’t blame me!”
“People wasted their time in the election campaigning and tried to demonise Douglas and demonise the Labour Party…tried to resurrect the spirit of Bradshaw from the grave where it has been resting for all these years and then they got a beating and then they blaming Douglas for their beating. Don’t blame me.
“The people of Nevis, I think they have exercised their right as they have the right to do. They have voted for a government of their choice. Those who observed the elections indicated that the elections were fair. The people were able to make a fair and unchallenged decision as to who would lead them and who would serve them and they have done exactly that.”
“Don’t blame Douglas for those who failed.”
