Legal action against St Kitts-Nevis government after 'drone questioning'

The head of a political consultancy says he going to take legal action against the government of St Kitts and Nevis after he was detained on Monday.

Matthew McMillan, president of BuzzMaker, was picked up by police at the RL Bradshaw airport when he tried to leave in the morning.

It's not clear why he was in the country but reports from the federation say he was working with the opposition Nevis Reformation Party ahead of the island's election.

He was released without charge later on Monday.

"This is abuse of political power, plain and simple. I will be taking legal action to send a message to all people whom government have victimized that you have rights and you have a voice. Some politicians may be rich and powerful, but, they are not above the law," said McMillan.

"It is certainly concerning to the regional and international community when a government makes a politically motivated detention without charge.

"It is a sign that democracy is backsliding and it sends a troubling message to international investors, tourists and governments that St Kitts-Nevis is not a place that respects political speech and that punishes political opponents with improper detentions."

McMillan added that the legal action was "about protecting the freedom of speech and political opinion" in St Kitts and Nevis, and that "no matter how rich you are and no matter how powerful you are, you are not above the law."

The leader of the Nevis Reformation Party, Joseph Parry, has denied any involvement in the drone incident.

Mark Brantley, who is also the federation's foreign affair minister, told WINN FM that he believe the drone was linked to politics, and that it crossed a line.