Polls open

Voters in St Kitts and Nevis are electing a government to run the country for the next five years.

Observers said the election campaign was one of the most fiercely fought and expensive in the federation’s history.

The Labour Party of Prime Minister Denzil Douglas is seeking a fourth straight term in office.

Its main opponent is the Peoples Action Movement led by lawyer Lindsay Grant.

They are fighting for the eight seats on St Kitts.

The three seats on Nevis are contested by the Nevis Reformation Party and the Concerned Citizens Movement.

Territory tackles youth violence

Bermuda’s parliament will next month consider new measures to curb youth crime.

The proposals include confiscating hooded sweat shirts – because they contribute to an atmosphere of intimidation – and holding parents legally responsible for unruly children.

They would also allow police to disperse two or more people hanging out in trouble spots and remove minors under 17 who are loitering at night.

The government says tackling lawlessness and aggression by youngsters is necessary to make sure islanders and tourists feel safe.