Political Leader of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said Wednesday’s signing of the Code of Ethical Conduct is an acknowledgement that as the eldest and the strongest political party in St. Kitts and Nevis continues to lead by example when its leadership speaks of principles such as integrity, objectivity, selflessness, accountability, honesty, openness, honour and respect.
He said the signing represents a genuine commitment to exhibit these principles in the daily behaviour as leaders and to actively and robustly promote, support and defend them in the governance of the Federation.
“It is an acknowledgement that before we can ask you and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, to repose your trust and faith in us to lead, we must first show ourselves trustworthy; that before we can govern, we must first be able to govern our own affairs with the highest of integrity,” said Dr. Douglas at the signing ceremony on Wednesday.
He said it also represents the recognition that in an ever-changing social and political climate where there is so much that is beyond control, the morality of leaders cannot be taken for granted.
“Our leaders are human beings too and we cannot simply take for granted that when called upon to lead that they will do so with wisdom, truth, temperance, humility, honesty and justice. The time has come for us to establish standards based on the highest ideals to which we must hold ourselves accountable and will be honour-bound to adhere,” said Douglas, also the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.
He said the signing is not just some gimmick designed to score cheap political points.
“We are saying in no uncertain terms that we have listened to your concerns, of our citizens, we have listened to your criticisms, and we are very serious about implementing the changes that will help us to serve you better. It is all about you the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, as we seek to provide next generation leadership at the highest level. On these matters of principle and ethics we in the Labour Party will stand like a rock, upright and immovable,” said Dr. Douglas.
He said ethical conduct is the foundation stone of leadership as alternatively, politics without principle is the biggest threat to the peace and security of a people.
“Today we demonstrate to you, the people, that we are not just paying lip-service to these principles like our counterparts in Team Unity. This event signals our solemn commitment to put our own house in order and to self-regulate by enforcing the strictest of adherence to the provisions enshrined in our Code of Ethical Conduct,” said Dr. Douglas.
He said the letter of commitment to the people demonstrates that leadership matters.
“We know and understand that the character of our leaders can determine the ultimate destiny of our nation, with grave implications for citizens and residents,” he said
“We are not waiting however, until the next election to begin these changes. Today, with the signing of this Code of Ethical Conduct we begin with ourselves. Today we will set the example and standard for others to follow,” said Dr. Douglas.