OAS Director Calls on Nationals to Exercise Their Democratic Freedoms
~~Adz:Right~~Basseterre, St.Kitts (SKNIS): OAS Director Mr. Starrett Greene has called on Nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis to exercise the democratic rights and privileges made available to them.
“I would like to know how many people actually comment on bills introduced in the House of Representatives in St. Kitts and Nevis, during the period allowed for public input, Mr. Greene said, “It is a tribute to our democratic system of Government, that allowance is made for inputs from citizens on bills that are likely to become the law of the land.”
Mr. Greene was at the time addressing the graduating class of the Democratic Institute and was therefore commending these women for being proactive change agents in the democratic process.
He informed that in September 2001 the 34 member countries of the OAS unanimously adopted the Inter-American Charter in Lima Peru, which was designed largely to improve democratic systems in the Hemisphere. It also sought to clearly define the essential elements of democracy and to put in place mechanisms, procedures and guidelines that would be used in defense of democracy, when democracy in challenged.
The director emphasized that the empowerment of women, their full and equal participation in the development of our societies, and the equal opportunities afforded them to exercise leadership are all central to sustainable development and the elimination of the broad range of inequalities that still exist.
Mr. Green said that a truly mature and progressive democracy, provides for its citizens participation in the governing structures and institutions where decisions, critical to national development and relevant to their lives, are made. He impressed upon listeners their responsibility to be engaged regularly in the formulation and shaping of government policies and in the framing of the laws by which they are governed.
The OAS promotes democracy in the Hemisphere by strengthening democratic institutions and practices; helping countries to reform and update their constitutions working to encourage meaningful dialogue between Governments and Opposition Political Parties to address issues of national concern. The OAS also observes elections in a majority of its member states, helping to ensure transparency and integrity in the voting process.
In conclusion of his remarks to graduates of the Democratic Institute organized by the Ministry of Community, Social Development and Gender Affairs, Mr. Greene suggested that individuals should no longer be inactive complainers but should voice their concerns on issues affecting their livelihood, education, health, environment and right to vote among other factors.
Town Hall Meetings, National Consultations and public scrutiny of bills prior to their passage in the national assembly as well as educational empowerment such as the democratic institute are all methods presently employed nationally for the purpose of strengthening democracy.
