BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party has officially condemned Friday’s (Mar. 27) violence against the People’s Action Movement’s (PAM) Deputy Leader, Eugene Hamilton.
The incident occurred just after midnight on Friday, shortly after PAM had concluded a political meeting held in Old Road.
According to PAM Leader Lindsay Grant, persons were socializing after the meeting when “stones began raining” down upon them and they were forced to take cover.
Hamilton was struck in the face by one of the projectiles, resulting in severe injuries to his face and mouth.
PAM officials said that they believed the attack to be perpetrated by “a small band of fanatic followers” of the Labour Party. The Labour Party, however, dismissed any responsibility for the attacks and condemned any who would carry out such an assault on democracy.
“The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party abhors and renounces all such acts by any member of this society toward any other member - regardless of age or status; religious, political, or professional affiliation,” Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Denzil Douglas said in an official party statement issued around 8 pm that night.
“St. Kitts and Nevis is a civilized society and we expect each and every member to conduct themselves accordingly,” he added.
The release further stated that the Labour Party has always pleaded with all facets of society to work in unison in fostering a culture of tranquility.
“This Party has made a priority of urging that all segments of this society work together to ensure that St. Kitts and Nevis is a country in which there is peace and calm. We have, indeed, made a special case of urging a rejection of all and any forms of violence.”
The Hon. Cedric Liburd, the Labour Party’s Constituency 8 representative against Hamilton, issued a release shortly after the Prime Minister, stating that all “fair-minded” citizens should condemn the actions of the perpetrators of the incident.
“Such actions must be condemned by all peace loving and fair-minded individuals. St. Kitts and Nevis is a democratic society and we should all champion the constitutional rights of all citizens which include the freedom of association and freedom of speech, and these freedoms apply to all, including Mr. Hamilton.”
He expressed regret at the occurrence of the “troubling incident”, and wished his opponent “best wishes” and a “speedy recovery”.
Also displaying abhorrence for the incident, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force issued a release appealing to public meeting attendees to “refrain from acts which may lead to the injury of persons or damage to property”.
The release informs that investigations into the incident are being made.
SKNVibes spoke with Hamilton last evening, and he indicated that his recovery is going well.
He expressed thanks to those who contacted him and conveyed their best wishes, especially the Chairman of the St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris. Hamilton explained that Dr. Harris was one of the first persons to contact him to deliver best wishes following the horrifying ordeal.
Though he reported that there was still much pain and swelling in his face, Hamilton predicted that within the next few days he should be “fairly comfortable” and further along on the road to recovery.
1.jpg)