BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT was an historic occasion in Nevis last evening (Oct. 29) when that island’s Premier, the Hon. Vance Amory handed over the mantle of leadership of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) to his Deputy, the Hon. Mark Brantley.
The handing over ceremony occurred during the CCM’s Convention held at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre.
This was the first time in the political history of the twin-island Federation that an elected representative has passed on the leadership of a party without being unseated.
SKNVibes understands that Amory, who has been at the helm of the CCM since its formation in 1987, is slowly bowing out of politics.
In the presence of a large number of party supporters, well-wishers and family members, Amory thanked all those who paid tribute to him and reflected on his life and achievements.
The Premier stated all that he did in the political arena were “simply because I loved the people of Nevis”.
Apart from being the Premier of Nevis on two occasions, where he had headed a number of ministries, Amory is currently a Senior Minister in the tri-party Team Unity Government.
“I wanted to serve the people of Nevis. And if I have served the people of Nevis, and I hope we have served them well, then it is due to the fact that you allowed me to serve you. That doesn’t do with me because I only have one vote,” Amory told his audience.
SKNVibes understands that Brantley was nominated for the position earlier this year, but it had to be ratified at the party’s convention.
Brantley, who is the Foreign Affairs and Aviation Minister in the Federal Government, is also the Deputy Premier and holds the portfolios of Minister of Health, Gender, Social Affairs, Social Development, among others, in the Nevis Island Assembly.
Brantley has taken over the leadership of the party ahead of the local government elections which is due in early 2018.
The CCM has expressed its confident of winning all five seats in that election.
