Opposition Senator and attorney at law, K.D. Knight has accused the Bruce Golding government of cowardice in its postponement of Local Government Elections.

The Upper House Friday approved two pieces of legislation to put off the parish council polls, due this month, two days after law makers in the Lower House gave the bills the green light.

Mr. Knight claimed in his debate presentation in the Senate this morning that the government is running scared because it may suffer a massive defeat if it faces an impatient electorate now.

He says the government's reasons for the postponement of the elections are contrived.

“There is a fear to go to the polls. There is a disregard for the rights of the people and there is absolutely no commitment to Local Government. So whilst no good purpose would be served by opposing these proposed amendments, those who have eyes to see can see the insincerity behind it all,” Senator Knight said.

However in a swift response, Government Senator, Desmond McKenzie heaped blame on the former People’s National Party administration.

In responding to Senator Knight, who abruptly left the Chamber, the Kingston Mayor said the opposition is being hypocritical in its stance on Local Government reform.

“While we come here to pretend under the pretext that we are all born again, all of a sudden we have now found a new vision on life and the things that we used to do, we don’t do them anymore; things we used to say, we don’t say they anymore; places we used to go, we go there no more and it is all about grandstanding. If they are true to their commitment to Local Government, if they are true and really committed to Local Government, let us work,” Senator McKenzie said.

The bills were eventually approved.