Leader of the Opposition, the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has slammed Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris for deceiving the young people in particular and the citizens in general of the twin-island federation.
After dismissing 3,000 young Kittitians and Nevisians who were on the People Empowerment Programme (PEP) and denying students of the Basseterre High School (BHS) adequate learning facilities, Dr. Harris has reduced funding for the annual Music Festival and the CPL games.
Dr. Douglas noted that during Dr. Harris’ press conference last week, he boasted how well the economy of the country was doing, that the government was performing well and there were millions and millions of dollars in surpluses in the Treasury.
“If the economy is doing so well and the government is performing so well, why are we hearing the continued concerns by the people of the country?” asked Dr. Douglas.
“Why is it we are hearing of a cutback in the number of matches in St. Kitts and Nevis in the once highly successful CPL games, when just last week Dr. Harris told us that there were surpluses bursting through the walls and the seams of the Treasury of St. Kitts and Nevis? Why are we now hearing from those who organise Music Festival that there is a cut back on (high profile) artistes because there is no money,” he further asked.
“Where is the money? Where are the surpluses,” he asked, stating that the deception by Dr. Harris and his Team Unity Government “is the biggest insult to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
“It is the most massive deception on the people in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis by Dr. Harris,” said former prime minister Douglas, who added that despite the trumpeting of millions and millions of dollars in surpluses, the hospitals and clinics still lack medication and toilet paper, the students of the Basseterre High School are without a new school as promised and students are denied a college education by the dismantling of the REACH programme.
Team Unity Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Shawn Richards who has been tight-lipped about the new BHS for several months said only four matches can be hosted this year because of finances and Ambassador Jonel Powell indicated the budget to host Music Festival has also been reduced.