BASSETERRE, ST KITTS, May 25, 2022 — Leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister the Right Hon Dr Denzil L. Douglas told delegates to the 8th Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB) that fate has brought them to the twin-island federation when it is in deep crisis. “In crisis due to deep, nation-wide concerns over governmental integrity, transparency, accountability, the main themes around which our current general election campaign revolves. Concerns that are being expressed not only by everyday men and women in this country, but — before the dissolution of Parliament — by every elected member in our country’s governing coalition, except two,” said Dr Douglas.
Addressing the regional body at the St Kitts Marriott Resort, Dr Douglas said the current outgoing coalition government has refused or failed to properly operationalise the Integrity Commission. “The public would like to be able to review key government documents — but there is no Freedom of Information Act,” he said. He noted that under the previous Labour government, there was a Public Accounts Committee with both the right and the responsibility to ensure that government monies were being spent as authorised by Parliament. “The current Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has done away with the country’s functional Public Accounts Committee. New legislation was enacted under which a new Public Accounts Committee was created almost three years into the life of the Parliament, instantly stripping the Parliamentary Opposition of its crucial oversight responsibilities.”
Dr Douglas concluded: “Our people, for hundreds of years, toiled under the most horrific conditions to enrich others. The courage, commitment, and integrity of leaders who are no longer among the living brought that horrific era to an end. And it is now our sacred duty to emulate their courage, demonstrate their commitment, and continue their integrity in order to enrich and empower the millions who vote for and count on us. In St. Kitts and Nevis, the sacrifices of the ancestors are not being honoured. And our responsibilities to the living are being ignored. As a result, deep nationwide concerns exist. As a result, we are in crisis. Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a great deal of work to be done.”