BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - FOLLOWING the Presidential Election in the USA where there were intelligent public debates, residents of St. Kitts are of the view that the twin-island Federation should take a page out of the Americans’ book.
From this backdrop, SKNVibes took to the streets and spoke to a number of residents on St. Kitts about their views on having public Constituency Debates among candidates who would be contesting the imminent Federal Elections.
Among them was a Bailiff who voiced that it would be good, as it would give the constituents insight to the politicians' mindset.
"I think they should, because it would make the constituents more aware of what their intentions are for that Constituency...what's going on in their [politicians] head. I think we have moved beyond public meetings and we have reached the point where they could get into a hall and face-off.
"I think they would be afraid of having debates though, because with politics, everyone has their own agenda. So basically, in my opinion, they would not want to face-off with anyone."
A male resident of Constituency Eight also agreed that the idea of debates would be good. His explanation was that he would prefer to see the candidates go "head to head" rather than listening to them "spread propaganda at their public meeting".
Another male was also in agreement with the idea of public political debates, stating that as long as it is in a controlled setting where there would be no "confusion".
He said that something of this nature should replace public meetings and, in that way, avoid a lot of the "he said, she said".
This media house spoke with a middle-aged lady who opposed the idea, stating that that is the purpose for the public and town hall meetings.
"At the public meetings, the politicians speak to the people about what their plans are if they are elected, and at the town hall meetings the persons in that specific constituency has the opportunity to go and ask questions. So I really don't see the need for debates."
One Rastafarian said she is fully proposing the debates, stating that politicians need to bring substance to the table.
"People need to actually hear what their intentions are in their bid for government office. If you're promoting yourself for the job in office, you should allow people to hear about your intentions rather than bringing down your competitors."
SKNVibes caught up with the Hon. Sam Condor who, although not going into details, said that in his opinion, a debate of such nature would be good for the people of St. Kitts.
Leroy ‘Fishie’ Percival, when questioned, said: "I would love that. This is something I always say they should do...I believe they should but the moderator for that should not be someone from St. Kitts, because, we here at home, all of us have our own agenda and you might choose somebody and feel like this is a good person to moderate but it is not a good person.
"I believe that they should bring somebody and let them come with their own questions. Not questions that they might want to throw on PAM or a question they might want to throw on Labour, or a question they might want to throw on NIP. Somebody who would come and be open with raw politics."
A 24-year-old Constituency Five resident explained that the idea of public political debates would be good for the nation because, so far, she has yet to hear the parties intent if they are given the opportunity to be in government.
"Political debates would be good, simply because up to now I cannot hear any of the political parties talk about the issues affecting us here in St. Kitts or explain what they would do once they are elected into office.
"All kinds of public meetings are being held and what are you hearing? Nothing of importance! Our politicians need to come better than this. Stop throwing stones at one another and stick to the issues. Tell me what you are going to do to make me and my neighbour's lives better.
"I don't want to know about who did what in 1763. Yes, it is good to know your history but how is what Tom did way back then applicable to what your intentions are for my country tomorrow? Let us have debates and let the people question your agenda."
Of all the persons interviewed by this media house, the majority is in agreement that St. Kitts should have public political debates.
What do you think? Should the twin-island Federation have public political debates?
