BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – Leader of the Opposition, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has described as “very unfortunate” the Team Unity Government’s victimisation of persons from the Christian community.
A female caller during “Ask the Leader” programme on 102 Kyss FM on Tuesday expressed outrage over the dismissal of Sis. Corliss Toby from her religious programme “Awakening Ministry” on state-owned ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) that aired daily from 3 am to 6 am.
Responding, Dr. Douglas said the dismissal of Sis. Toby last week Friday takes the Dr. Timothy Harris’ Team Unity’s Government’s victimisation of Kittitians and Nevisians to a different level and now affects those who on a daily basis express their conviction on the Gospel of Christ.
“It is one thing to dismiss people who have been in government service and whose rights have been trampled upon as the victims of a vicious and uncaring government. That is what we spoke out against for the last two years when several persons were treated in a dehumanised manner by Dr. Harris’ administration. With very little regard to those who serve the public for years. With some at the time of retirement, or recently employed in the public service,” said Dr. Douglas, who questioned what could be the reason that Sis. Toby and her Awakening Ministry could have done to offend the Team Unity Government that it acted in “this high-handed manner.”
“It is what we have been speaking out against over the past two years. We have had several marches in town against this very action of the government,” Dr. Douglas said, who added that in building a society and a democracy, there are ways that things can be done differently.
“Must we all be subjected to this uncaring, hostile, dehumanising way,” said Dr. Douglas, who agreed with the caller that an explanation is needed.
“This is a ministry that has been enjoyed by thousands. We demand an explanation for this action,” said Dr. Douglas.
