BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – “Rest assured that I do take my responsibility seriously and I give my commitment that my contribution would be one that gives credence to the strength and perseverance of young people and women of our beloved Federation.”
These are the words of newly-appointed Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Akilah Byron-Nisbett who yesterday (Nov. 18) presented her maiden speech before the August body.
After being appointed Government Senator then Deputy Speaker, Byron-Nisbett was congratulated by her Parliamentarian colleagues, some of whom expressed their expectations of her, which include she would provide representation for the young people within the Federation and even the women.
Also the hope was expressed that Byron-Nisbett’s contribution to the Parliamentary discourse would lend to the advancement of the Federation.
She indicated that she is up for the task of living up to the expressed expectations of her colleagues.
“Let me say that I am humbled by all of the kind words that have been shared with me, to me and the advice that I’ve just received. I’m humbled because there are great expectations that are going to be set for me, and I do make that commitment that I will live up to every single word of each of these honourable members that they would have displayed this morning.”
In outlining reasons for her acceptance of that task, the Hon. Byron-Nisbett indicated that her youth and strength are advantages in her attempt to make a meaningful contribution to her advance of her land.
“In the grand scheme of life, we are but mere puzzle pieces that when placed together cohesively can create a whole that encompasses a passion and drive for greatness that sees success to all levels of the society in which we live, work and function. It is therefore up to each of us to consider how our piece can cohesively fit into that whole. We as individuals need to ask ourselves, ‘How can I contribute to that whole? How can my contribution make a difference and how can I positively make an impact to the lives of others, thus being able to effectively allow my puzzle piece to truly fit cohesively?’
“It is with this in mind that I have humbly accepted the opportunity to be able to stand before this country and offer myself as Senator and now Deputy Speaker in the highest law-making body of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. I do believe that it is important to while I am still young, strong and capable that I positively contribute to that whole. I also do recognize that by accepting this new position, I have now become a role model to the largest segment of our population, the youths and I have taken up the huge task of being one of the voices of the largest within our society, women.”
Byron-Nisbett was preceded by the Hon. Michael Perkins, who was Deputy Speaker while the Hon. Franklyn Brand was Speaker of the National Assembly.
However, after Brand’s resignation from that position, Perkins resigned as Deputy Speaker and as Senator and was appointed Speaker of the House, leaving the Deputy Speaker’s office vacant.
Only weeks ago it was announced that Byron-Nisbett was selected to fill the void and she was appointed yesterday (Nov. 18).
As far as this publication is aware, Byron-Nisbett is the second female Deputy Speaker to sit in the Federal Parliament.
