St Kitts and Nevis: Douglas denounces government's ‘political gimmick’

Last updated: November 15, 2017 at 9:08 am

The leader of the opposition in St Kitts and Nevis has dismissed the reading of a letter relating to him in parliament yesterday as “political theatre”.

Denzil Douglas, who was absent from the National Assembly yesterday, took aim at the speaker for allowing Eugene Hamilton’s letter to be written into official records.

Hamilton, the leader of government business, said that the topic of his letter – claims that Douglas holds citizenship of, and a diplomatic passport from, Dominica – was a “matter of national importance and great public interest”.

The federation has been following developments since Prime Minister Timothy Harris claimed on 3 October that Douglas – who led the country from 1995 until 2015 – held dual citizenship.

Although he offered no proof at the time, soon afterwards a a black and white image was shared online that purportedly showed Douglas’ diplomatic passport – issued by Dominica.

At the time the St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party leader labelled claims as “hogwash”, and in a statement hours after the parliamentary sitting yesterday he denounced the day’s proceedings.

“It is quite unfortunate that the hallowed chamber of parliament is being used as a political theatre, facilitated by the speaker, in a useless attempt to rekindle the dying political fortunes of Dr Timothy Harris and some of his cohorts,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_7837" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Dr Timothy Harris.[/caption]

“I reiterate the point that the parliament is being used as a political theatre because Dr Timothy Harris, Mr Eugene Hamilton, Speaker Michael Perkins and all members of parliament are well aware that under our constitution, the parliament of our land in and of itself cannot address matters to do with the qualification of members to sit in the assembly.

“This is a matter which only the courts of our land can determine. For Speaker Michael Perkins to read Mr Eugene Hamilton's ill-conceived letter into the records of Parliament is irresponsible and reinforces the public's views of the Speaker as a bias arbiter of the parliament's business

“Mr Hamilton's letter is nothing more than a political gimmick that he is performing under instructions from his failing leader Dr Timothy Harris.”

[caption id="attachment_7838" align="alignright" width="300"] Speaker Michael Perkins.[/caption]

Douglas stressed that the whole situation is “political distraction” due to “dwindling politic support” for the prime minister.

He back up his claimed by pointing to recent polls, commissioned by his party but conducted by a Jamaican polling firm.

Speaking yesterday, attorney General Vincent Byron Jr said: “This government is deeply concerned that we should have someone who sits in our parliament who is in a position to be disqualified.”

The government had sought legal advice and is preparing to go to court, he added.

Section 36 of the constitution has been cited by the government as the basis for their case, but it isn’t clear if this will be strong enough to force the opposition into any changes.