Douglas ‘all talk and no action’ says Grant…
Implementation of PM bi-partisan approach unlikely

By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts-THE call for cooperation on national issues between the ruling Labour Party and the Opposition People’s Action Movement (PAM) was again made yesterday (Nov. 25) at a PAM press conference, though PAM Party Leader Lindsay Grant noted that “actions speak louder than words”.

Much like Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Denzil Douglas stated in a November 18 airing of his radio program ‘Ask the Prime Minister’, Grant called for collaboration between the various political parties of St. Kitts-Nevis on “national issues” such as crime.

“Crime is not a matter that one should divide the country on. We need to have a common approach, a forthright approach and a unified response to crime, because the criminals don’t know PAM and the criminals don’t know Labour. The criminals know about committing crime.”

PAM’s Deputy Leader and Parliamentary Representative for Constituency #5, Hon. Shawn Richards elaborated on what a bipartisan approach to crime would entail.

“We need a bipartisan approach not only in terms of the political parties, but in terms of bringing all sectors of the community together to discuss the issue of crime and taking a common approach going forward.”

Such an approach, Richards said, would allow the Federation to hold talks between the politicians, police officers and even some of the criminals themselves to help suggest more effective crime fighting approaches.   ~~Adz:Right~~

He further stated that collaboration would help expedite the development of infrastructural programs, such as prison rehabilitation programs, a juvenile delinquent center and community policing, that would most effectively curb crime.

While the Prime Minister had stated his party was ready to follow the lead of United States President-elect Barack Obama and was ready to bury the proverbial hatchet with his political rivals, Grant said he has seen no actions from the Labour Party that would indicate to him they are ready for cooperation.

“The Prime Minister speaks about bipartisan approach?” Grant asked. “Just last week, or the week before, we were having a town hall meeting in Half Way Tree and they refused to give us permission to go into the Half Way Tree Community Center.

“We are ready [for a bipartisan approach], but we are certain the government is not concerned about reaching across the aisle and speaking to the People’s Action Movement.”