BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – EXACTLY two years after the last Federal Elections, Senior Minister the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris was unceremoniously fired from the ruling Labour Party Administration.
The official announcement was made this evening (Jan. 25) by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas via simulcast.
In his address, Dr. Douglas explained that today he asked the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Edmund Lawrence, for a revocation of Dr. Harris’ appointment as a Minister of Government, which was granted.
And in explaining reasons for his decision, Dr. Douglas indicated that Dr. Harris’ opposition to the government’s thrust has become “more and more vocal and intense” and is “accompanied by political activity in the wider community, aimed at undermining the programmes and initiatives of the government”.
He said it is evident that Dr. Harris “does not regard himself as being bound by the collective responsibility of the Cabinet and this could become disruptive to the smooth flow of government business”.
Dr. Harris – he said – had refused to support the Senators (Increasing of Number) Bill, 2012 and the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank (Vesting of Certain Lands) Bill 2012 (both government-sponsored) and has indicated that he would not support the 2013 Budget when tabled in Parliament.
Additionally, the PM explained that Dr. Harris has not indicated whether or not he would vote against the Opposition’s Motion of No Confidence against the government in which he serves.
“This action became necessary because of the need to ensure that the government continues to function smoothly and that the investment climate is not unduly affected by the political manoeuvring that has become evident in recent months. Whatever the outcome of such political manoeuvring, it is my duty to ensure that the government continues to carry out its mandate with a view towards advancing the quality of life of our people until the next general election whenever such elections are held.”
The country’s Political Leader informed that to further executing the government’s mandate, he has asked the Governor-General to issue new instruments of appointment which would distribute Harris’ previous responsibilities amongst himself and two other Ministers.
He, Dr. Douglas, is appointed Minister of Constituency Empowerment, while the Hon. Patrice Nisbett, Minister of Justice, Legal Affairs has the additional portfolio of Minister of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and he Hon. Nigel Carty, Minister of Education and Information, has Agriculture, Marine Resources and Cooperatives added to his portfolio.
This change – according to PM Douglas - would necessitate the appointment of a new Senator who would be assigned the portfolio of Attorney-General.
