BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, AUGUST 13TH 2013 (CUOPM) – Prime Minister of St. Vincent and Grenadines the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves says there is no need for regional and international organisations to intervene in what is a domestic political issue in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The outspoken Caribbean Leader also blasted the two disgruntled former Senior Minister Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris and former Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor saying they are not approaching the issue with clean hands and that they should resign their parliamentary seats and pave the way for bi-elections.
CCM reported that the Vincentian Leader says while he has some concerns about the situation, there is no reason for the CARICOM and the OECS to get involved in an issue the opposition has compounded.
Reporter Sandy Deane said that the pleas of disgruntled Opposition MP’s in St. Kitts and Nevis are not falling on deaf ears as Prime Minister Gonsalves tells CMC News that he has heard the cries, but the question is on what grounds can the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Commonwealth or anyone for that matter, can intervene?
“Can a Regional or International Organization intervene in the internal affairs of a country where there is no public disorder or break down of law and order. Where there is just a political conflict which is still being played out. Where the internal processes are not yet exhausted, internal processes here, meaning the internal legal processes which have been engaged by the very persons who are complaining,” said Dr. Gonsalves.
Dr. Gonsalves said although the political situation in the twin-island Federation is worrying, “It is a political question that ought to be resolved politically.”
The outspoken Caribbean Leader also takes on the opposition’s argument on the legitimacy of the Government and did not mince words as he suggested that the disgruntled MP’s (Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris and Hon. Sam Condor) are not approaching this issue with clean hands.
“People may reasonably ask why the two representatives don’t go and have bi-elections in the way that Jack Warner did? Win their bi-elections and say look this is what the people want and this is what people think of what you are doing?
But to ponder on this issue. Two of you were elected on the ticket of the (Labour Party) government. You now want to bring down the government. Is there not a matter of public morality to attest to in relation to that action?” asked the Vincentian Prime Minister.