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| Premier of Nevis, the Hon Joseph Parris signs the Assemblys document as a member of Parliament |
Charlestown Nevis (October 4, 2006) - Premier of Nevis, the Hon Joseph Parry said on Monday that the Nevis Reformation Party-led Administration was not surrendering any autonomy or any power.
He made the comments moments after the opening of the Nevis Island Assembly, where the Deputy Governor General, His Hon Eustace John delivered the Throne Speech, in which he made reference to greater devolution of power to the Nevis Island Administration.
"It's a position we have taken since 1999 and we have insisted that we need to give constitutional reform a chance," Premier Parry told the press.
"We are not retreating in any way; we are not surrendering any autonomy or any power. We are simply doing the business of empowering Nevisians in a different way, without taking anything from them."
The Nevisian Leader stated that it was their (NRP) first chance and that they would give it their best shot, adding, "I have spoken to the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister about having an early meeting because, there are a number of issues that we need to deal with immediately.
I am looking forward to have meeting of the two cabinets and having serious discussions on a number of issues that affect the people of St. Kitts and more so Nevis," said Premier Parry.
In delivering the Throne Speech, the Deputy Governor General made reference to the overall governance and management of the affairs of Nevis.
"My government does not support the idea of breaking up the Federation considering our historical, social and economical ties. While there are many problems between St. Kitts and Nevis, such as the allocation of resources and other political issues, we believe that the people of St. Kitts and Nevis have the capacity and willingness to work together to find amicable solutions to these problems. We are one people and the progress of St. Kitts and Nevis will benefit the people of Nevis and vice versa," said His Honour.
~~Adz:Right~~"What we will be seeking from constitutional reform is a greater devolution of power to the NIA to control and manage its own affairs so that we can continue the economic development of Nevis, bearing in mind our unique circumstances. There are areas in the constitution where we are given administrative powers.
We would like these expanded to legislative powers. We will also like to play a more active role in Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence matters.
We will prefer the institutionalization of a joint cabinet to deal with matters of common interest. These are just a few areas of concern to this Administration and we are hoping that in the near future, we could begin the reform process so that we could further cement the ties between our sister islands," said Deputy Governor General, Mr. Eustace John.
