Bird sees threat to democracy

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Opposition Leader Lester Bird said yesterday that a recent statement by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer strikes at the heart of democracy and points to an attempt at dictatorship.
In an address to the nation last week, Spencer said: “I am confident that no matter the ruling of the court, the government of the United Progressive Party will remain intact, to continue steering the ship of state to overcome the challenges that face our country.”
Spencer was at the time commenting on the anticipated High Court ruling in the election petition cases.
“This would be nothing short of a Coup d’état,” Bird said during his weekly radio broadcast. “For once the three vacate their seats, there will be 14 Parliamentarians remaining.
     “Of the 14, seven will be (Antigua) Labour Party representatives; six will be representatives of the UPP (United Progressive Party); and one will be the representative of the Barbuda Peoples Movement.
“Therefore, the Labour Party will have the majority in Parliament . . . ,” Bird added. CMC