“Revolution” comment meant to educate, not incite

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRIME MINISTER Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas clarified his “revolution” comment, stating it was meant to educate and not incite people of the Federation.

The statement in question was made by Douglas in response to the People’s Action Movement’s (PAM) announcement of its Shadow Cabinet. Eugene Hamilton, PAM’s Deputy Political Leader, was given the title of Shadow Minister of Social Security, causing Douglas to declare, “If you all don’t want a revolution in this country, you all better keep Hamilton hand and finger off Social Security money. There will be a revolution! There will be a revolution!”

While addressing the media at a press conference yesterday (May 27), the Leader of the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party clarified the statement, asserting it was meant to inform the electorate that Hamilton was “unfit to lead”. He made reference to Hamilton’s background as a past General Manager (GM) of the National Insurance Company (NIC) and also as the current GM of British American Insurance Company (BAIC).

“[It] was intended to educate the citizens of this country, especially the electorate, that Hamilton is totally unfit to hold public office. He was the manager of NIC and there were very serious allegations that he mismanaged the funds in that company. In fact, the government was forced to commit a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to look into the allegations.

“A report was published that clearly identifies he indeed mismanaged the funds. He allowed funds to be used for compensation on the fire at the Democrat Printery when it was not insured. There are also allegations that he overcompensated the Hon. Sir. Dr. Kennedy Simmonds on claims he made on his property for damage by a hurricane; claims which were highlighted in the Blom-Cooper Report.”

Douglas also pointed to the recent troubles experienced by BAIC and what he viewed as Hamilton’s irresponsible method of handling them.

“He has not responded appropriately to people’s concerns about the money they invested with him through BAIC. Having that kind of background and record, he is not fit to hold the key to the monies of the Social Security Board. He has taken money from people, received commissions for it and now they cannot find him to give appropriate answers. Until he is able to answer them, he is not fit to lead,” said the Prime Minister.

When pressed to explain exactly what kind of “revolution” would occur should Hamilton be elected, Douglas was deliberately vague, simply saying that “something dramatic” would happen and that “people have a right to react”. 

He however noted that it was not his responsibility to dictate how people should respond, but rather that “each person should determine what their reaction would be, as it is a very serious matter”.