BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MARCH 28TH 2014 (CUOPM) The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has called in and cautioned former Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Michael Oliver Powell over highly inflammatory remarks in which he threatened law enforcement officers, their families and their children.
The Police in their Tuesday morning report indicated that Michael Powell was called into the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and cautioned about the inappropriate remarks which he made during his programme on Sugar City FM.
According to ZIZ News, Police Inspector Smithen who conducted the interview advised Mr. Powell that it was not the intention of the police to bridle his right to free speech, but rather to remind him of the responsibilities which come along with that right.
Mr. Powell was further reminded that his ability to speak could constitute a breach of other people’s constitutional rights and therefore infringe on the laws of the federation.
Inspector Smithen used the occasion to refresh Mr. Powell’s memory by reading to him portions of the 1983 St. Kitts and Nevis Constitution Order.
Mr. Powell was part of the constitutional team who travelled to England and received the Constitutional Instruments at Buckingham Palace from the Queen’s Majesty in Council on June 22, 1983 and which came into operation the very next day, June 23, 1983.
Mr. Powell was also read various sections of the Sedition and Undesirable Publication Act Chapter 4.34 of the Laws of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis and discussed the various offences outlined therein.
Speaking on his programme Mr. Powell said that police officers and members of the army should be careful because they, referring to PAM/PLP coalition leaders and members, had a target list and knew where the officers, their families and children worked, lived and go to school.
“Let me tell you all something you know. We know who you all are. You got target list, we got target list as well. We know who you are. We know your names. We know where you live; we know where your family lives. Those of you who got kids going to school, we know where they are,” said Powell.
Mr. Powell, who was sacked from the PAM Cabinet by Prime Minister Simmonds on April 1st 1992, now supports Dr. Timothy Harris’ PAM/PLP/CCM alliance on St. Kitts.