CHARLESTOWN, Nevis. Dec. 20. 17 – FOLLOWING his party’s victory at the local government elections on Monday, Mark Brantley has been sworn in as Nevis’ new Premier.
Brantley, the leader of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), won his seat in St. Johns by over 300 votes over Hensley Daniels – 1333 -1000, while his party won 4-1.
The new Premier was sworn in by Deputy Governor General Marjorie Morton at the Charlestown Court House last evening, where a number of party and other officials were present.
Shortly after the victory announcement in the early hours of Tuesday, the new Premier told SKNVibes News that it was a triumphant occasion for Nevisians.
It is now up to the party to set the tone for the island, he stated, adding that they would be extending a hand of friendship to the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) to get onboard for the development of Nevisians.
Priority areas for the government would be split across three specific areas, Brantley said, pointing to good governance, social development and the economy.
The Party caused an upset in the Charlestown seat, picking up the often stated NRP strong hold, but Brantley indicated that people gravitated to his party’s candidate in that area.
“Well, the Charlestown victory is huge for us because it is traditionally an NRP seat. We had an excellent candidate who works hard, and I know the seat was available, and we went out there and got it.
“So, we are very grateful, but in every history, we picked up votes. In St. Johns we won by the largest margin, in St. James the same thing. Even in the seat that we lost, we got more votes there.”
He believes that the new leadership and what they are bringing to the table is what brought the people of Nevis together to support the Concerned Citizens Movement.
This media house was told that the party brought “something new to the table. And the outspoken politician indicated that “we have a new team, and I think people saw Mr. Parry – leader of the NRP - as in the past”.
The Premier believed the coalition with the Team Unity government played a critical role in the victory, pointing out that “the people are satisfied with the way things are going”.
“The relations between St. Kitts and Nevis has never been better, and we are now in a very good position to advance the legislation, advance that relationship and to ensure that we grow closer together”.
The other victors are expected to be sworn in something later in the week.
