BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – UNEXPECTED to some, but probably anticipated by others, Government Backbenchers Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris and Hon. Sam Condor, during today’s (Jul. 8) Parliamentary session, sat with their colleagues on the Opposition Benches suggesting that they were officially “crossing the floor”.
Some months ago, both men had openly expressed their disapproval with the Denzil Douglas-led administration – of which they were a part – and specific Bills that were passed in the Federal Parliament.
Harris was subsequently fired from Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Douglas’ Cabinet and, shortly thereafter, Condor tendered his resignation.
The two have travelled to the United States of America to speak to Kittitians and Nevisians in the Diaspora as part of their campaign, and only weeks ago they announced the formation of their party, the People’s Labour Party (PLP).
Today, in Parliament, Condor and Harris sat at the back centre portion of the Opposition Benches, and the situation was explained by the Hon. Speaker of the House, Curtis Martin.
“Today, I have received – just before Parliament began – I received a letter and I also received verbal notice from the Members for St. Christopher Three and St. Christopher Seven regarding their seating arrangement in the National Assembly. They have asked that their seats be taken up in the back centre portion of the Opposition Benches...”
Speaking with SKNVibes, Condor indicated that the letter, which was forwarded to the Speaker of the House, indicated that both men had formed a new party and it requested a shift in the seating arrangement; a request which was granted.
The move is viewed in some quarters as yet another demonstration by Condor and Harris of their lack of support for Prime Minister Douglas and his government, and both have joined the Opposition team in agitating for the Motions of No Confidence to be promptly tabled.
The elected Parliamentarians who have collectively expressed their lack of support for Prime Minister Douglas and his government are Condor, Harris, Hon. Leader of the Opposition Mark Brantley, the Hon. Vance Amory, the Hon. Shawn Richards and the Hon. Eugene Hamilton.
Elected representatives on the Government Benches are Prime Minister Douglas, the Hon. Glenn Phillip, the Hon. Marcella Liburd, the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Asim Martin and the Hon. Patrice Nisbett.
