Minister accused of ‘misrepresenting the truth’ over Basseterre High School

The infrastructure minister in St Kitts and Nevis has been accused of “gross misrepresentation of the truth, giving misinformation and slander” by one of the country’s well known architects and planners.

The new Basseterre High School is once again at the centre of heated debate, with Victor Williams lashing out after Minister Ian Liburd spoke in Parliament last week.

The minister dismissed fears that there could be issues with the siting of the school, and instead told parliament that the government will remain responsible in all of its actions.

But Williams appears to have taken offence to the idea that people have been speaking on the radio and scaring citizens, and that the architects recent comments on the school are premature.

“I have added the minimum design parameters that must be included for a project of this magnitude. I then I came up with what I considered to be the minimum size and minimum global cost. I then explained to the nation what the minimum requirements must be. These factors must inform any further movement on the project,” said Williams, adding that he acted on the “limited information” that the Team Unity government.

Allegations to reputation

Accusations were also levelled at Williams, stating that in his capacity as former chairman of the Development Control and Planning Board (DCPB), he did nothing while raw sewage was dumped on The Strip into the Frigate Bay ponds.

The planner denied this, saying that it is under the responsibility of the Frigate Bay Development Corporation and not the DCPB.

“I have said repeatedly that no definitive site can be determined to house the new Basseterre High School (BHS) until a proper Environmental Impact Assessment is done and I maintain that position,” Williams added.

He advised Liburd to consult him directly if he needs to find out any further information.

“I am ready, willing and able to meet him face-to-face and enlighten him to the facts. He needs not hide behind the immunity of Parliament and make these totally vicious, obscene and inaccurate accusations.

“The minister has uttered vacuous and vaporous statements which at best are a gross misrepresentation of the truth intended to malign, misinform and slander.”