Elections can be called any year’ – P.M on Lets Talk
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
~~Adz:Left~~ Charlestown, Nevis: Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas has not disclosed when he will call the next general elections but he noted that the constitution allows him to call election whenever he pleases.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister was speaking on the popular weekly talk show ‘Let’s Talk’ broadcast, on VON Radio, hosted by the station’s manager, Everend “Webbo” Herbert.
Dr Douglas said when the “opportunity is right” he would announce the date of the elections. He used figurative language and noted that the announcement of the election was an issue he was thinking about.
Asked whether a politician had the right to oppress his subjects, Dr Douglas noted that leaders are expected to use their powers carefully.
“It is like an egg. They have to understand it is an awesome responsibility,” he sid.
The Prime Minister in his address touched on several issues that affect the Federation, including electoral reform, crime, the media and the sale of lands.
Electoral Reform
Prime Minister Douglas said he was convinced that the electoral reform process would ensure that the elections are carried out on a level playing field. He said the rhetoric meted by the opposition was a “deliberate attempt” to undermine investors’ confidence as locals could access authentic information when the information taints the Federation but the foreigners could not, as they accessed most of the information online.
He said his Government would do everything to ensure that the opposition did not succeed in tarnishing the Federation’s image overseas. He called on the People’s Action Movement (PAM) officials to respect those charged with managing the electoral offices.
Crime
The Prime Minister said his government was using a multifaceted approach to fight and prevent crime. The influx of illegal firearms is being closely monitored and new facilities to empower law enforcement officers to investigate crime were being put in place.
He also said the Government would do what was in its means to uplift the morale of the Police Force. A meeting was already scheduled between the relevant authorities and high-ranking officers in the Police Force.
Media
Dr. Douglas said during his term in office the government had liberalised the media and even ZIZ is being operated as an independent media house. He said many independent radio stations and newspapers have also mushroomed.
The Prime Minister said there had been adequate provocation to push him to muzzle the press but he believed in freedom of the press. He said that freedom should not be abused. Hon. Douglas called on the media houses to discuss among themselves how best they can establish an independent regulatory body.
Public Integrity Bill
A caller enquired why the Labour led government had not delivered on its promise that the bill would be passed in 1995. Hon Douglas promised to consult with the Attorney General whether it is pitted for discussion this year in Parliament.
Guarantees for Nevis Loans
The Prime Minister said the only time the Federal government did not guarantee a loan was when the former Premier Vance Amory had requested a guarantee for a loan to improve roads. Hon Douglas explained that he had consulted with the then Premier and informed him that an IMF economy assessment would determine whether the guarantee would be given or not. He noted that Hon. Amory had understood his explanation.
Sale of Lands at the Southern Peninsular
He went on to say that the lands did not belong to the government. Like any other land buyer, the government had to use the right procedures to possess portions of the lands at the South Eastern Peninsula. He said foreigners had to possess an alien holding license to purchase the land.
