BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALL indicators suggest that St. Kitts and Nevis will soon have a new Governor-General, as His Excellency Sir Edmund Lawrence has proceeded on leave and Attorney-at-Law Samuel Weymoth Tapley Seaton, QC, was yesterday (May 12) appointed Deputy Governor-General.
This declaration was made by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris during a press conference yesterday in the Parliamentary Lounge at Government Headquarters.
Speaking to the substantive matters that would feature when Parliament convenes tomorrow, Dr. Harris announced that one of the items on the agenda is the traditional Throne Speech, which he stated would not be read by Sir Edmund Lawrence.
However, before announcing by whom it would be read, the Prime Minister noted the public’s perception and pointed out the importance of the prestigious office being held by the GG.
“The question of who will read the Throne Speech has been posed repeatedly in the public. Some argued that the Governor-General did not behave properly in relation to the constitutional challenges which our Federation faced.
“I, for my part, do not intend to revisit that situation, but I can say that my Cabinet and I all agreed that the office of the Governor-General is the highest office in the land and it deserves to be treated with the respect and dignity commensurate with its auspicious standing.
‘The office, of course, can be separated from the office holder, and we expect those who hold public office to strive by their conduct and behaviour to ennoble their office.”
He then announced that Sir Edmund was on leave and reported who would carry out the functions of GG during his absence.
“I am pleased to report that subsequent to audience with the Governor-General, I am now in the position to say that His Excellency the Governor-General has advised me that he will proceed on leave over the period May 12 to May 17, 2015. This, in effect, paves the way for one of our worthy citizens to read the Throne Speech.
“I am honoured to report that I have recommended the appointment that Mr. Samuel Weymoth Tapley Seaton, QC, former Attorney-General over the period 1980 to 1995, as the Governor-General Deputy during the said period of absence of the Governor-General, his Excellency the Governor-General, by instrument dated May 12 has granted the said appointment.”
Dr. Harris was inflexibly wedded to the belief that the nation would appreciate his Government’s decision in making Seaton Sir Edmund Lawrence’ Deputy.
“The national community, I am sure, will enjoin me and my Cabinet in celebrating this appointment of Mr. Seaton. Mr. Seaton is an illustrious son of the soil, cool...calm, collective and a meticulously chiselled intellect.
He indicated his pleasure on Seaton acceptance of the honour for further national service at that level and at this time in the political history of the Federation.
With effect of yesterday, Attorney-at-Law Samuel Weymoth Tapley Seaton, QC, will be performing all the functions of the office of the Governor-General according to the Constitution of St. Christopher and Nevis.
