By Caribbean News Global contributor
BASSETERRE, St Kitts – The decision by prime minister Dr Timothy Harris to overrule the selection of Returning Officers and Poll Clerks made by supervisor of elections, Elvin Bailey, and to replace them with his people, including his brother-in-law, Jermaine “Sacky” Lake, has created considerable suspicion and fear among the people of St Kitts and Nevis.
Increasingly, there are questions being asked about the motives of Dr Harris, and others are convinced that “the country will become another Guyana”.
An irate voter said, “I know Dr Harris is desperate but what he is doing can destroy our country.” Another pointed out, “This is an act of desperation. Dr Harris is trying to cling to power at all costs.”
A woman who claimed to be from Constituency No. 7, which has supported Dr Harris for 27 years as its representative, replied, “Not me and him again. I’m not surprised at “Sacky” (Lake) because he is Dr Harris brother-in-law. But I never thought that (Vincent) Hodge, who is a respected public servant, will support that kind of tactic. He is the first person who should have said ‘No’ to Dr Harris. He also should not have allowed Dr Harris to choose all the Poll Clerks. This is very suspicious.”
While supervisor Bailey has confessed to being embarrassed that his choices were ignored by Dr Harris, he thanked and apologised to the persons he selected and trained. He said sadly, “I will do the election and I will do my best and then consider my options.”
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