No increases for ministers, parliamentarians: Douglas

Thursday, 4th April 2019

Former prime minister and current Leader of the Opposition in St Kitts and Nevis, the Rt Hon Dr Denzil L Douglas has pointed to the deterioration in healthcare, rising unemployment, increase in poverty and widespread corruption in the Timothy Harris-led Team Unity Government as among the several reasons why cabinet ministers and parliamentarians should not get an increase in salary and perks at this time.

Pointing out that no first-term administration has ever given themselves increases within five years Dr Douglas said the people, especially the youth are suffering.

"Is it because Dr Harris and his Team Unity Government recognize that their time is drawing neigh? Is it because the ministers are seeking to ensure that when they are kicked out of office in a few months when general elections are called the salary hike would increase their monthly pensions? asked Dr Douglas, who pointed out that the Team Unity Government has failed the people in St Kitts and Nevis in several areas.

He cited the failure of the Team Unity Government to improve homeownership, improve healthcare, provide educational and employment opportunities for young people and improve the overall quality of life for citizens and residents.

Pointing directly to the deteriorating state of the J N France General Hospital, the former prime minister cited the posting of statement by one of the government's supporters.

"Hospital should be closed until further notice," posted Levar Flanders on his Facebook page.

"He has become so incensed and disturbed with the services that is being provided there that he is calling for the closing down of the Joseph N France General Hospital until with what is happening. Our people are afraid to go to the hospital because of what would happen to them there," said Dr Douglas.

Conditions at the medical institution have deteriorated due to neglect by the Team Unity Government, lack of medication and supplies and large-scale resignation of trained nurses.

"Yet the two ministers of health are saying that they deserve to get a salary increase," Dr Douglas said.

He pointed to scores of persons who received the EC$500 check in December under the Poverty Alleviation Programme and have not received for the ensuing months of January, February and March.

"Many of our intelligent students have had to drop out of attending or pursuing tertiary level education at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC_ because of the Team Unity Government's stopping the Labour Government's REACH Programme," said Dr Douglas. Under the REACH programme introduced by the Labour Government in 2013, students attending the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, the Nevis Sixth Form and the AVEC received financing for tuition, books, supplies and transportation.

Dr Douglas said there are reports that ministers have had increases in several allowances.

"The Team Unity Government should not give ministers and parliamentarians increases at the expense of those who are suffering unable to find jobs, dropping out of college and other opportunities. My hear aches for the young people of St Kitts and Nevis," said Dr Douglas.