By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (December 2018)-This week, the seven confirmed candidates of the Opposition St.Kitts Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), who are executive members, publicly affixed their signatures to a 6-page Code of Ethical Conduct document which speaks to commitment to good conduct of both personal and professional standards.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 5th December, a ceremony was held at Galaxy located at Port Zante in Basseterre.
Signing the document were: Dr. Geoffrey Hanley of Constituency One; Parliamentary Representative of Constituency Two and Deputy Leader Marcella Liburd; Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Three Konris Maynard; Steve Wrensford of Constituency Four; the newest announced candidate Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Douglas of Constituency Five and Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Six and Party Leader Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Party Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew of Constituency Eight.
The SKNLP’s labelled “good Friend” Leon Natta of Constituency Seven looked on from the audience.
Three sections included in the document are Values, Principles and Standards of Ethical Conduct.
Dr. Drew highlighted that the SKNLP and its National Executive Committee in particular, in signing the document that day, “will be agreeing to the adoption of a Code of Ethical Conduct that would guide the conduct of our candidates and members.”
He explained that candidates agree to conduct themselves accordingly with immediate effect.
“By signing this Code of Ethical Conduct our candidates who represent the leadership of the St. Kitts- Nevis Labour Party agree to honour the provisions outlined in the Code and to conduct ourselves accordingly with immediate effect.”
Dr. Drew added: “Today, we commit to you, our members and the good people of St. Kitts and Nevis that this Code of Ethical Conduct that we will sign today is a critical step forward in ensuring the highest standards of conduct and good governance within our Party!”
Dr. Douglas, during his remarks, said the document “establishes a set of rules in relation to how we, both collectively as an organisation, as well as individuals, will participate in the political process and engage with the people whom we are seeking to serve.”
According to him: “Our leaders are human beings too and we cannot simply take for granted that when called upon to lead that they will do so with wisdom, truth, temperance, humility, honesty and justice. The time has come for us to establish standards based on the highest ideals to which we must hold ourselves accountable and will be honour-bound to adhere.”
The Opposition Leader said signing such a document is not a political gimmick.
“This is not just some gimmick designed to score cheap political points. With the signing of this Code of Ethical Conduct, we are saying in no uncertain terms that we have listened to your concerns, we have listened to your criticisms, and we are very serious about implementing the changes that will help us to serve you better. It is all about you, the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, as we seek to provide next generation leadership at the highest level.”
The former immediate prime minister criticised the governance style of the present Team Unity Government.
“When we look around our Federation, we are very dismayed and concerned about the great levels of corruption, conflict of interest, victimisation and nepotism that have become the hallmarks of the present administration led by Dr. Timothy Harris. There is a complete lack of transparency, accountability and rule of law in our justice, financial and public administration systems.”
He added: “In 2015, the Team Unity coalition ran on a campaign that promised to bring change but the only change they have brought is a change for the worse. They promised to strengthen democracy and good governance. Fast forward to four years later, they have brought the worst onslaught on democracy that this country has ever seen.”