From Richard Christian

RICHARD CHRISTIAN SEEKS ANSWERS

I would like to congratulate the Hon. Tara Rivers on her court case victory. She stood up to the challenge and demonstrated the leadership that made many believe in and support her. I wish her all the success in her Ministry and pray God’s blessings over her.

The Chief Justice decision in terms of the US passport issue confirms my stance from the very beginning, that I too was a qualified candidate for the district of Bodden Town. I am thankful that this vexing matter has now been addressed and finally resolved.

However, I am disappointed that the Election’s Office, with advice from the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers, deprived me of the opportunity to also represent the only place I have known as my home despite my place of birth. I am deeply concerned that favouritism and a double standard may have played a role, as I strongly believe election officials knew that other candidates had similar situations in terms of the US passport on nomination day.

I am also confused and disappointed that the AG took no position on Ms. Rivers’s case, despite the advice from his chambers on my case; obviously he did not stand behind the advice that was given from his office to the election office, which ultimately assisted in the returning officers decision to disqualify me.

The actions taken by both the AG’s office and the Election office was clearly a poor judgement and their decisions to be mute on the subject over the past couple of week’s shows the lack of accountability we still have within government. Despite the outpour of support for Ms. Rivers, the verdict has also left a large number of citizens concerned about the favouritism, injustices, violation of the law and double standards that is happening within government.

As a result, I will be seeking legal advice on what course of action to take. I will be filing a complaint with the Complaints Commissioner to investigate the controversial and discriminating actions taken by the Election and AG office. I will also be writing to the Supervisor of Elections to encourage a new policy or process on how a returning officer can determine a candidate’s eligibility.

END

See attachments for disqualification letter from Election Office