BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – OVER past week, the hot topic across the Federation and further afield has been what will be the Premier of Nevis’ - the Honourable Joseph Parry - next move now that the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) has nullified the election of his Deputy Hensley Daniel.
Is a by-election pending or will the people of Nevis endure another local election, having gone to the polls just over one year ago?
It is more than possible that Premier Parry – wanting to make a decision that is in the best interest of the country – is seeking counsel on what his next move should be?
The Political Leader of the Federation – the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas – has delivered what some consider sound advice to the Premier.
“I would say to him, ‘Ask God to guide you as to what to do...pray about it.’ The Premier really has two options. He has the option of a by-election and he has the option of a general election in Nevis. So, I would really ask for God’s guidance seriously if I were him. I would pray about it...don’t want to make any rash decision. I would pray about it, ask for God’s guidance, look at the political situation and make a decision because he really has a choice.
“If you know my nature as a politician, you know what I would do. But he is not me and I am not him. So it’s really left to him and God and his men, I would say”, the Prime Minister expressed during his latest monthly press conference held on Wednesday (Aug. 29).
He also issued advice to the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), and the people of Nevis in general, to refrain from becoming anxious and hasty, but rather prepare for whatever decision the Premier may make.
“The advice to CCM (is to) take it easy. The Premier has the decision to make...wait on him. Prepare yourself as you wait but wait on him because he has a decision to make…and whatever is the decision, then you get into play. But prepare for play in the meantime.
“If I were to advise the people of Nevis (I would say) take it easy, let there be calm, everything will work out itself. I call on the people of Nevis to just simply take it easy. The court has spoken, the Premier has listened and he is now to make a decision. That’s all.”
With Daniel’s election nullified, both the ruling Nevis Reformation Party and the CCM have two seats each.
Deputy Leader of the CCM Mark Brantley, in a previous interview with this publication, had suggested that because of the economic quandary in which the Federation has found itself, it would be wise if the Premier called a by-election and spare the expense of local election.
