Published 11 February 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
by: Media Source
Caribbean MP: “Speaker Michael Perkins,
a cancer to democracy in St. Kitts and Nevis”
Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 11, 2018 – A veteran parliamentarian from a neighbouring Caribbean island has expressed his concern over recent developments in the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly.
The Caribbean Member of Parliament, who spoke on condition that is name not be used, said he has been listening and watching videos of the recent decisions of the Speaker, Hon. Michael Perkins.
“Based on my observations, Mr. Perkins is a cancer to democracy in St. Kitts and Nevis and if we are not careful, that pompousness, which seems to be directed by the Prime Minister (Dr. Timothy Harris) does not augur well for the future. It is patently obvious the Speaker take directives and instructions from the Prime Minister,” said the regional MP.
He said he expected that when the issue of Mr. Perkin’s behaviour was brought up at the recent CPA meeting in St. Kitts in June 2017, Mr. Perkins would have changed his attitude and preside displaying the attributes and decorum that come with the post as Speaker.
“It appears from what I have seen that he has gotten worse, displaying what I would call tyrannical traits,” said the MP.
“Part of his role is to facilitate debate. As a Speaker, he has and is bound to protect the minority from the majority, not facilitate the majority in muzzling the minority. They too were elected by people. The people ought to be represented,” he said.
The regional parliamentarian also expressed a concern that “civil society groups are virtually silent to the decadence of parliamentary democracy. This is frightening.”
“Is it also a sign of moral decay brought on by fear of the government? I hope not. But the writing is on the wall,” he said.
Photo Mr. Michael Perkins
