Speaking during a recent address, Douglas however attempted to defend his actions by indicating that the tough financial measures were introduced to protect citizens and reduce the risk of economic mayhem and devastation.

In his 2012 New Year’s Day Address, the Prime Minister agreed that given the magnitude of the problems faced by citizens, he will not play politics.

Despite the heavy criticism that has been leveled at his government for wastage and financial irresponsibility, when it comes to the management of the economy, Douglas appears to be placing the blame, for the poor state of affairs in St. Kitts & Nevis, solely on what he termed, the global crisis. However, those within the political opposition have reminded the Prime Minister that the “global Crisis” really only surfaced in 2008, and the 3 billion dollar Public Debt and its consequences, have been unfolding here much earlier than 2008.

The current economic situation in the country has now forced the Prime Minister to embrace the reality being faced by the citizens of the twin-island state, and he has stated,  that he has no hesitation in saying that the global crisis has inflicted some pain on the residents of the federation and on people all over the face of the globe.

He said, “Citizens and Residents, as your leader, I am not prepared to play politics or to bury my head in the sand and claim that all is well. I understand that the only way that my Government can continue to bring real value to the people of this country, is to look at the problems we face honestly and realistically with a view to arriving at the best possible solutions.”

“But I am also persuaded that we would have been much worse off if we had not introduced these measures or if we had sat idly by and done nothing. Moreover, I am convinced that the sacrifices that we have borne as a people have not been in vain,” Douglas continued.

Douglas said he is however very optimistic about the future for the country.