Marcella Liburd, chairman of the opposition St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party, accused Prime Minister Timothy Harris of eroding democracy. She expressed concerns regarding injustices in both the parliament and judiciary, emphasizing the essential principle of separation of powers. Liburd particularly highlighted the controversial dismissal of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the potential conflicts of interest within the judicial system.
The chairman of the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party, Marcella Liburd, has articulated serious concerns regarding Prime Minister Timothy Harris’s governance, claiming it undermines democracy. As a Member of Parliament representing Central Basseterre, she cautioned that there are incidences of injustice within both the Parliament and the judiciary. Liburd stated, “There is a calculated and systematic attempt by the Timothy Harris-led Team Unity government to trample on the fundamental rights and democratic principles of St Kitts and Nevis.”
Liburd emphasized the essential principle of separation of powers, which mandates the independence of the legislature, executive, and judiciary to ensure fair governance. She stated, “The court in particular must be independent of the cabinet or the government as justice must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done.”
The opposition leader raised specific concerns regarding the dismissal of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) under Harris’ administration, highlighting that it occurred amidst an investigation involving a cabinet member. She remarked, “One of the first acts of the Attorney General [Vincent Byron] and the Timothy Harris government was to dismiss the Director of Public Prosecutions, because the DPP was investigating a matter that involved a member of the cabinet.”
Furthermore, Liburd criticized Prime Minister Harris’s involvement in a court matter concerning the DPP’s dismissal that concluded with an out-of-court settlement, raising issues about transparency regarding the use of taxpayer funds. She expressed her discomfort about the ties between the Prime Minister and the judicial system, citing that two of his sisters serve as magistrates.
In conclusion, Marcella Liburd’s comments reflect serious allegations concerning the undermining of democratic principles and judicial independence by Prime Minister Timothy Harris’s administration. Her claims highlight a troubling pattern of action that could threaten the fundamental rights of citizens in St Kitts and Nevis. The implications of these assertions warrant careful scrutiny as they raise fundamental questions about separation of powers and transparency in governance.
Original Source: wicnews.com
