system in protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms which underpin our society and allow us to have confidence in the systems which are established by our Constitution and maintained by adherence to laws which are enacted for the harmonious co-existence of all persons without regard for colour , creed or political affiliation.
The decision handed down today by the Appeal Court of the OECS in the matter of the Election Petition Mark Brantley v Hensley Daniel et al must speak to all of us to guard with seriousness the fundamental human rights and freedoms which were won for all of us by the sweat blood and tears of our fore parents and should also give us cause to cherish those principles on which our country was founded.
While the decision handed down today, to strike down the Appeal and to uphold the decision of Justice Lionel Jones, is vindication of the action to challenge the results of the July 2011 election in the Nevis 2 constituency brought by the Honourable Mark Brantley and the CCM party, we must reflect on the circumstances which have led to this moment and resolve to begin the process of reconciliation and healing and building a more harmonious society based on the respect for law and order, honesty, integrity and a mutual regard for our differences of opinion, to build our country for the future for all to enjoy without fear or favour.
The decision of the Court today must signal a new beginning, not only for the people of Nevis and the Federation but for the entire Caribbean and the world at large, wherever the rule of law and the democratic system is established and practised.
There are lessons to be learned by all of us and I call on all our Citizens especially the Leaders in our country to accept and respect the decision of the Court and to do all in our power individually and collectively, in accordance with the law to return our country to a state in which we can feel free to exercise our fundamental rights and freedoms and build a more harmonious society for the future prosperity for all.
May God bless us all today and give us grace and wisdom, as we seek to reconcile and work together as one people even if we have different points of view, for the good of all.