BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH a third party emerging in St. Kitts, one wonders what the outcome of the imminent General Elections would be.
The third party, National Integrity Party, is being led by Glenroy Blanchette, the former St. Christopher One candidate for the People’s Action Movement (PAM).
Blanchette claims that his party would bring about a change in the political landscape and it is willing to merge with other parties in a coalition to form the next government.
As a media house that provides readership the scope to analyse, express views and opinions, SKNVibes took to the streets of Basseterre to garner the public’s views on the formation of the party.
Most of the individuals approached opted to share their comments only on condition of anonymity.
One individual was adamant that the formation of the NIP is an exercise in futility because the people of St. Kitts are so much caught up into the “PAM and Labour” politics that any other party would not survive.
“That is not going to work in St. Kitts because people only recognise PAM and Labour. They might have their meetings and people are going to listen but, at the end of the day, only PAM and Labour would fight in the election. We are already hooked on two parties so the introduction of another would be too difficult…because the parents are either Labour of PAM so their children are coming up under the same type of mentality. NIP will cause an effect on one of the political parties, but it will not achieve much. They would not win the government. They wouldn’t win their seats, generally!”
SKNVibes spotted Minister of Gender Affairs and Community Development on Fort Street and when questioned about her view on the formation of the NIP, she said it is testament to the democracy which prevails in this country.
“It shows that we live in a very democratic society where people can come together and form whatever they want to form, be it a political party or any group, they can go out and express themselves freely. So that is the part of it that I am really delighted about. Because, very often you hear all kinds of things about dictatorship and so on; but the fact they can get together and form a party – whatever the name of the party or the purpose of the party - it shows that we are really living in a free society.”
Another individual said he believes that the NIP could make an impact on the political landscape and on the elections.
“I believe they could make an impact. I don’t know if they could win outright but I believe they could make an impact. My reason for saying this is that based on the reasons for them forming a party and what they are talking about, that is the kind of government that you would want and a country would always want.”
On yet another positive note, a young lady said the NIP is just what the people of St. Kitts needs at this point in their political development.
“It is good that a new party was formed because, at least, we have another political arm, another option to choose from. I think they will have an impact on the political landscape considering who the current members are. They are well-known men and they are trying to make a stance for what they believe is right, good and just.”
Last week, when the formation of the NIP was officially released, Blanchette categorically stated that its purpose was not to act as a spoiler for the benefit of any of the two political parties on St. Kitts.
Notwithstanding, persons are still of the view that that is the reason for forming the party.
“I do think they were created with the intention of being a spoiler, simply because they still seem to hold something against Grant and the PAM party. To me, they won’t make that much of an impact. People are too much into PAM and Labour for the masses to seriously consider them.
“For them to do that, they have to come with something really good! While they might pull some votes, they are not very significant at this stage. I think they really need to embark on an aggressive PR campaign and let the populace know that they are here and they are here to stay, and that they mean business. But, as of now, they are insignificant,” was the opinion of oneindividual.
Another individual who shared similar sentiments declared, “The party is a non-entity, a non-started, it is a waste of time. They are against the opposition. Parties are formed to unseat the government and they are against the opposition.”
It is all left to be seen. Will the National Integrity Party see any success in infiltrating the political field of play to the point where it can effect change of mindsets and or the political landscape?
