Juno Samuel Seeks To Muzzle King

Details

Politics

Tuesday, 26 June 2012 02:30

By Everton Barnes

Antigua St john's - One of the more vocal members of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, Anthonyson King, has been threatened with expulsion if he insists on disclosing what has been described as ‘confidential business of ABEC’ to the public.

The warning came in a letter to King dated June 14 penned by chairman of the Commission, Juno Samuel, a move observers say reeks of an attempt to muzzle King.

According to the letter…the issue at hand is an appearance by King on the opposition-aligned, ZDK Radio station on June 13. King acknowledged that he was a guest on the programme hosted by Shawn Bird, but he denied that he discussed any of the current matters before the commission during the radio interview.

“What I discussed were three documents; a) the report of the 2009 general elections, b) the ABEC Report for the year ending June 30, 2009 and statements issued and prepared by former chairman, Sir Gerald Watt QC, on his own behalf, on behalf of A. Agnes Blaize, commissioner, Lorna Simon, Supervisor of Elections and the management and staff of ABEC issued after the 2009 general elections,” he disclosed.

He added that he has a copy of a recording of the programme to verify his contention.

But in his letter, Samuel made reference to King’s radio appearance accusing him of divulging details of ABEC's on-going discussions. “During your interview, you proceeded to discuss certain issues which are the subject of discussions at the Commission. I would like to remind you that the Commission regards all matters before it as confidential, and whereas, I recognize your right to freedom of expression, this freedom cannot be extended to disclosing confidential information of the commission,” he warned.

He told King that his conduct ‘of public disclosure’ is likely to undermine the work, unity, integrity and credibility of the Commission. He also drew King’s attention to the Representation of the People Act, 2001, as amended, Sec 4 subsection 1 which speaks to the grounds for the removal of a member of the commission.

He then appealed to King to ‘uphold the integrity and good name of ABEC’ in the interest of Antigua and Barbuda.

King immediately penned a response asking Samuel to make specific reference to the ‘confidential’ matters he is alleged to have discussed on the radio programme. He also questioned whether Samuel’s objection had more to do with his appearance on ZDK, as he had appeared on other radio stations, including Observer Radio, and for that he has not received any reprimand.

King said he was happy to note that Samuel had acknowledged his right to free expression, a right conferred on him and every citizen by the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.

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