BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PREMIER the Hon. Joseph W. Parry announced this evening (Nov. 8) the dissolution of the Nevis Island Assembly (NIA) effective today, but he however held back the a date on which Nevisians are to head to the polls to elect their government.
“…I have instructed His Excellency the Governor General to dissolve the Nevis Island Assembly effective today,” Premier Parry explained in a simulcast aired on radio and television stations on both St. Kitts and Nevis.
And he advised that “in due course, and certainly within the constitutionally stipulated period, I shall advise further on the issuance of a writ for the calling of fresh elections and will also on that occasion reveal the recommended date for the nomination of candidates and voting in fresh elections”.
Parry – prior to making the announcement - gave an overview of recent happenings which were the after effect of the last general elections held in Nevis last year.
He spoke of his government’s success in navigating the island through difficult economic and other situations and described the upcoming elections as “a perfect opportunity to continue to progress and accelerate the performance of government in the social and economic sectors”.
The Premier expressed his desire “to have the election period concluded as early as possible” and while the people of Nevis wait for the election date to be announced, he admonished “all Nevisians to continue going about your business in a normal manner, as the eyes of the world are upon us and we must demonstrate on this occasion our pride and maturity as a people and portray Nevis as one of the best places on earth to live”.
Though the election date is yet unknown to the populace, Section 48 (1) of the Constitution of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis states: “A general election of members of the National Assembly shall be held at such time within ninety days after any dissolution of Parliament as the Governor-General may appoint.”
The Premier described the people of Nevis as “disciplined, mature and responsible”, noting that while the island goes through this compulsory exercise, he sees “no reason why there should be any major dislocation, socially, economically or otherwise”.
