Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin (Minister)

 

Ministerial Responsibilities: Public Works, Utilities, Transport and Postal Services

 

 

 

Dr. Earl Asim Martin was born in Gingerland, Nevis in 1958. He grew up with his aunt, the late Ena Martin and family in Baker¹s Corner, East Basseterre, where he attended the Newtown Primary School and Basseterre High School.

 

After a brief career as a teacher at the Irish Town Primary School, Asim went to the University of Havana, Cuba in 1982 to study medicine. In 1983 he was awarded a diploma in Spanish by the Higher Education Institute of Havana and he taught Basic Science at the University while pursuing his studies. He graduated as a medical doctor in 1989 and returned to St. Kitts where he entered into private practice.

 

Dr. Martin has always been active in the community and he served as President of the Zero Nites Youth Club from its inception in 1977 until he left for Cuba in 1982. He is a former leader of the Newtown Scout Group and was physician for the Newtown Football team, providing free medical services from 1990-1995. He also provided medical services to other sporting groups and youth camps.

 

Dr. Martin continues to give substantial support to sporting organisations and his alma mater, the Tucker-Clarke Primary School. He also delivers motivational speeches to the Newtown Football Club in preparation for play-offs.

 

As the Labour Party¹s representative for East Basseterre, Dr. Martin was first elected to Parliament in 1993. He was re-elected in Labour¹s sweeping victory of 1995 and was appointed Minister of Health and Women¹s Affairs in the government of Dr. Denzil L. Douglas. Following his decisive re-election in March 2000, Dr. Martin served as Minister of Health and the Environment. In 2004, Dr. Martin was returned for his fourth consecutive term as Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher 1 (East Basseterre) and was appointed Minister of Public Works, Utilities, Transport and Posts.