St Kitts-Nevis Opposition Accuses PM of Undermining Democracy

Marcella Liburd, of the SKNLP, has accused Prime Minister Timothy Harris of undermining democracy and judicial independence in St Kitts and Nevis. Concerns were raised regarding the dismissal of the DPP, alleged conflicts of interest, and non-transparent settlements involving government actions. The statements highlight ongoing tensions around governance and citizen rights.

The leadership of St Kitts and Nevis is under scrutiny as Marcella Liburd, Chairman of the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), raises alarm over Prime Minister Timothy Harris’s alleged actions threatening democratic principles. She stated there is a systematic effort by the current government to undermine citizens’ rights both in parliament and the judiciary. During a radio interview, Liburd emphasized the crucial need for the separation of powers within a democracy.

Liburd articulated that all branches of government, including the National Assembly, the Executive, and the Judiciary, must function independently for justice to prevail. She criticized the Harris administration for targeting the independence of the judiciary, highlighting the alarming dismissal of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) by Attorney General Vincent Byron. This dismissal occurred amid ongoing investigations involving a cabinet member, raising eyebrows over governance practices.

Additionally, Liburd expressed concern about Prime Minister Harris’s involvement during a lawsuit hearing concerning the DPP’s dismissal. She questioned the appropriateness of the Prime Minister’s presence and noted that the case was settled out of court using taxpayer funds, with a confidentiality clause to prevent scrutiny. Liburd further highlighted the potential conflict of interest with the Prime Minister’s sisters serving as magistrates, although no malpractice has been substantiated by WIC News.

In summary, Marcella Liburd’s statements reflect significant apprehensions regarding the state of democracy in St Kitts and Nevis under Prime Minister Timothy Harris. The issues of judicial independence, the separation of powers, and potential conflicts of interest demand attention. These developments may have lasting implications for governance and citizens’ rights in the nation. It remains to be seen how these allegations will affect the political landscape in St Kitts and Nevis moving forward.

Original Source: wicnews.com