Burton Williams charged with breaching the peace

Former Parliamentarian Burton Williams has been charged with breaching the peace under the Public Order Act and attempting to damage property.{{more}}

Williams, who ran unsuccessfully as the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in South Windward in the December 13, 2010 general elections, said he was arrested for political reasons.

In a call to the ‘New Times’ radio show yesterday, Thursday, June 16, Williams said he was awakened at 5:30 that morning by police who asked him to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

“It is clear and obvious that the police have gotten their instructions from the Prime Minister, because this is a political issue,” Williams said.

He said the charges are intended to silence the NDP in their efforts against the introduction of Bills in the House of Assembly.

“They want to cower us and let us go back into our shells. I want this government to understand that this New Democratic Party will not relent an inch. We will not retreat, because our battle is a just one and it is for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Williams said.

“The people of this country have to understand, that this is not a simple matter which ought to be taken lightly, the country knows that I was arrested for nothing but political reasons. The country knows that. And once a government begins to arrest its political opponents, the dictatorship is taking root,” he said.

“This is another attack on our democracy in this land…. I want them to understand that I, and this New Democratic Party, we are prepared to go to prison. We are prepared to stand up and die if it becomes necessary, to make sure, we defend the rights of Vincentians and defend democracy in this land,” Williams, a former Minister of Health declared.

Williams played a leading role in the protests staged by the opposition NDP earlier this year to prevent amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and the Representation of the People Act.

Williams will report to court in September, when his case is expected to be heard.