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Basseterre, St.Kitts (October 8th, 2017):-The St.Kitts-Nevis Opposition led by Dr. Denzil Douglas was absent from all activities related to the 34th Anniversary of Independence held over the past weekend. No official statement has been issued for the “No-Show” by the Opposition but speculation is rife that the absence maybe as a result of the recent scandalous revelation that Opposition Leader Dr Douglas is the holder of a diplomatic passport from Dominica. The announcement by PM Dr. Timothy Harris that Dr. Douglas holds a passport of another country sent shockwaves throughout the region. The possession of a passport of another country as an MP is a violation of the constitution of St.Kitts-Nevis.
Under the St Kitts and Nevis constitution, naturalized citizens of any foreign jurisdictions are barred from sitting in the Federal Parliament. Our federation’s constitution states that naturalized citizens of foreign jurisdictions [who hold foreign passports and allegiances to another country] are debarred from sitting in the federal parliament.
CHAPTER IV / PART 1 / Section 28 – Disqualifications for Representatives and Senators
(1) A person shall not be qualified to be elected or appointed as a member if he-
a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state;

Current Deputy Prime Minister Hon Shawn Richards and Minister of Tourism Lindsay Grant were both forced to relinquish passports they held for another country in order to remain and be eligible to be MP’s in the federation.
Dr. Douglas’ position as Opposition Leader is in jeopardy and is likely to further decimate an already significantly wounded Opposition. Reports indicate that the Opposition group has had a series of a high level emergency meetings involving overseas based advisors , to formulate the most appropriate plan of action.
The recent N0-SHOW by the Opposition suggests to many that there is some trouble in the Opposition and has caused rifts which has resulted in significant dis-unity within the Labour Party Opposition.
The absence of Dr. Douglas and his Opposition collegaues from the Independence Celebrations without any explanation indicates a high level of un-patriotism , disregard and scant disloyalty for country and the significance and importance of Independence.
Dignitaries came from as far as Japan and France to participate in the celebrations which were delayed due to the passage of successive Hurricanes.
The three Independence events that took place included the traditional Independence Military Parade, the toast to the Nation at Springfield and the Independence Cocktails all of this drew thousands in celebration of the 34th Anniversary of Independence