BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - FORMER Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Sir Kennedy A. Simmonds, under whose helm the Federation became an independent nation three decades ago, has penned some scathing remarks about the socio-economico-politico state of affairs in present day St. Kitts and Nevis in his 30th Anniversary Independence Message disseminated to media houses.
“The very constitutional democracy which our forefathers and our generation struggled to achieve and preserve is under severe threat from those charged with the sacred responsibility to protect it. We are in the midst of an illegal dictatorship,” said Sir Kennedy, joining the choir of opposition criticising the Douglas’ Administration over concerns such as the economy, rising anti-social behaviour and the non-tabling of a Motion of No Confidence filed by the Opposition over nine months ago.
“We have become one of the most debt-ridden countries in the world…crime has soared to unprecedented levels. Corruption, nepotism and cronyism pervade the highest levels of Government,” he said.
While belabouring what he considers the ills of the country, Sir Kennedy also pointed out some of the positive achievements over the years.
“Thirty years ago, our citizens at home and abroad embraced with pride and togetherness, the awesome responsibility of taking into our own hands our destiny as a people. As the smallest nation on earth at the time, we took our place in the world community of nations and made our participation relevant.
“We defied the skeptics by taking St. Kitts and Nevis to the highest level of per capita income growth in the Caribbean and Latin America during the first decade of our Independence. We built the strongest economy in the Eastern Caribbean through empowerment and the development of innovative projects like Port Zante and the South East Peninsula Road,” Sir Kennedy said.
He said that one of the “most important achievements” over the years was not allowing the break-up of the twin-island Federation, but finding a way to keep it “united, strong and free”.
Sir Kennedy, 77, also praised Kittitian sprint icon Kim Collins for his accomplishments on the world’s stage; Cicely Tyson’s three Emmy Awards and Academy Award nomination; Joan Armatrading international stardom; and Livingstone Bramble’s World Lightweight Boxing Championship in 1984.
Sir Kennedy was appointed a Knight Commander in the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and St. George upon the recommendation of Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas on National Heroes Day, September 16, 2004.
Sir Kennedy is a medical doctor by profession, specialising in anesthesiology. In 1970, he was awarded the Fellowship of American College of Anesthesiologists (FACA) and he currently works in Anguilla as the Director of Medical Services at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
