Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 17, 2018 – Widespread calls for an end to political victimization by the Team Unity Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris as scores of persons took to social media to congratulate senior civil servant Sharon Rattan who took the government to court in its attempt to demote her.
Rattan filed a civil suit in the High Court challenging the decision of the Team Unity Government to demote her from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community and Social Development and Gender Affairs to an Education Officer in the Ministry of Education.
After several court hearings, Attorney General Vincent Byron buckled last week Tuesday and offered Rattan, the post of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Post and Urban Development with effect from June 1, 2018.
“I soooo love this. I love it when citizens stand and fight for their rights against powerful government illegal actions instead of bowing to it. It doesn’t matter which party in power stand up for your rights. Proud of you Sharon. I hope more people will do this going forward as this the best way to stop governments from doing foolishness,” said Washington, DC-based prominent Nevisian, Everton “Obi” Elliott, regard highly in social media circles.
“In every strong beam there’s a breakpoint. That’s a significant win. Congrats,” wrote Kenrick Georges, author of the Federation’s National Anthem.
Franz Archibald “Congratulations Sharon for making history by taking a stand…..a lesson many others should note and learn,” said Franz Archibald, a Kittitian who lives overseas.
June Frederick wrote: “It is so sad that politicians have not learnt that when one gets into Government, Government is not for the Party but for the country and if technocrats are working well, why remove them? They keep setting the country 5 years backwards with no continuity!”
Alston Percival Bradshaw: “Right on point! ‘Vengeance is mine’ said the Lord! This was unnecessary political vengeance and spite.”
Eussubm Aerdna: “Congratulations Sharon. Government must not be allowed to victimize its citizens due to politics.”
Pearl Francis: “Congrats madame Rattan! There are others out there like your situation should challenge this sick and lame Government in court too.”
“Congrats Miss Rattan, you remained steadfast in your fight and that was very good. Happy for you, God bless,” wrote Samuel Tuckett.
“One of these days, these politicians and their henchmen going to learn the hard way. To the SKN officials stop or you will feel! Congrats to Sharon for fighting. Now it’s time for the others who were victimized to follow and take the Government to task (Court)!,” said Cecil Osborne.
“That’s my girl Sharon, a strong black woman. You grow up in a strong family. Don’t let anyone break you,” said Simone Alcindor.
Businessman and veteran broadcaster Canady Brown: “Political vindictiveness must cease and this case could well be the beginning of the end to all political victimization in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Former Trade Unionist, Okpara Akil, who lives in the United States wrote: “When politics goes right, citizens will be more productive. Victimization is regressive. It doesn’t allow people to develop their full potential. Let all parties take note.”
Assina Hewlett-Burt: “Congrats stand up for your rights. Proud of you. You set the wheels in motion for others.”
Pixie Southwell “Yes! You did it,” quipped Pixie Southwell, a daughter of former Premier and National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir C A Paul Southwell.
“Thank God that the St. Kitts-Nevis people are taking PAM/Unity Government to court for their rights. People take action. Do not play around with them they are no good for the country,” said Iroy Burgundy.