Dr. Douglas: Case had far-reaching implications for democracy and good governance in St. Kitts-Nevis

The Leader of the Opposition the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said Wednesday afternoon he looks forward to the next encounter with Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris after a High Court Judge ruled against the Harris government's effort to remove him from the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly.

Justice Trevor Ward in an hour long judgment dismissed the Harris-led Team Unity Government claim that by Dr. Douglas' possession and use of a Dominica Diplomatic passport Dr. Douglas is no longer fit to be a Member of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly.

"Now that I have emerged triumphant, I look forward to my next encounter with Dr. Harris and his coalition administration – that will be at the upcoming general elections," said Dr. Douglas in a statement issued on his way home from a visit to Dubai.

"Today's ruling has been handed down resoundingly in my favour. His Lordship Justice Trevor Ward Q.C. has ruled specifically that a diplomatic passport issued to me by the Government of Dominica as professional courtesy does not in any way offend the constitution of St. Kitts and Nevis. I feel a deep sense of vindication upon the judgment of the Court," said Douglas a member of the parliament since 1989.

"I would like to thank my legal team, Mr. Anthony Astaphan SC; Mr. Delano Bart, QC; Sylvester Anthony and Mrs. Angelina Gracey Sookoo-Bob, for their excellent representation. I would also like to thank all who have lent their support and advice throughout these proceedings, most especially my dear constituents of St. Christopher 6 who never waivered in their confidence in me. I thank my fellow citizens for your support and for your solidarity," Dr. Douglas said.

"I consider today's victory, not just a victory for me as the respondent in the case, but also a victory for all of us because of the far-reaching implications that this case has for democracy and good governance in our Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis," said Dr. Douglas, the former prime minister who served in that capacity for 20 years.

Dr. Douglas is of the view that His Lordship in his ruling has acknowledged that the holding of a diplomatic passport does not call into question "my loyalty or allegiance to my beloved country and the people whom I represent."

"My loyalty to my country has always been paramount when taking decisions that would allow me to best execute my duties in my capacity as Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition and as a four-term former Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis," said Dr. Douglas.

He reiterated that he has always maintained that the "failure of the Harris Administration to grant me the courtesies befitting my rank and role has been purely an act of political harassment in pursuit of Dr. Timothy Harris' personal vendetta."

"This case was intended as a distraction and as a scurrilous attempt to malign and injure my good character and reputation. This is in keeping with other similar actions that Dr. Harris has taken with regard to other law-abiding citizens who dare to oppose him or whom he considers to be a political threat. This is an obscene abuse of the Court and today's victory sends a resounding message that while Dr. Harris may not hold the high Office of the Prime Minister to any standard, that justice, democracy and international standards will prevail. May truth, democracy and justice prevail in that arena as well," said Dr. Douglas.