BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - PREMIER Mark Brantley and Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris paid tribute to veteran politician and former Leader of Nevis Reformation Party, Joseph Parry, who quitted the political arena.
In an interview with a local radio station WINNFM, Parry, a former Premier of Nevis, confirmed that he tendered his resignation from politics with effect from December 31, 2019.
During that interview, he cited some aspects of his three-decade political career and personal reasons for his retirement.
““I have been involved in Parliament for 32 years and I think it is time for me to leave. I think I have done enough and I would like to say that maybe we need to see new faces, a new generation moving in and taking over, That’s my point of view anyway.”
In a statement following a Cabinet meeting, Premier Brantley extended best wishes for the future endeavor of his political foe.
“Colleagues, I think that we would have all heard the news that the Hon. Joseph Parry has decided to leave the political stage entirely. Having already left the leadership of his party, he has now sent communication to indicate that he is leaving the representation of his Constituency, which is St. Thomas’…
“I wanted to take an opportunity on behalf of the Cabinet to extend best wishes to Mr. Parry on his new journey, to thank him for the years of service that he has given to the people of St. Thomas’ and to the people of Nevis.
“He has served in various capacities – as a minister of government both at the Federal level and at the local level. He has served as the Premier of Nevis, the highest office in Nevis. He has served as a member of the Opposition and I believe that, on any measure, he would have made a contribution over the past three decades plus.
“So I wanted on behalf of the Cabinet to use this opportunity on the first day of our Cabinet, the first day that we are meeting for the new year and the new decade to extend to Mr. Parry all the very best on his new endeavours and on his new journey."
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary said Dr. Harris also extended best wishes to Mr. Parry.
“The Honourable Joseph Parry has rendered distinguished service to his country and fellow citizens during an illustrious public service career.
“Mr. Parry notably headed up the post-Independence Nevis Civil Service (1983-1987) before being elected on the NRP ticket in December 1987 and going on to serve as Minister of Tourism, Agriculture and Labour from 1987 to 1992 in the administration of Nevis’ first Premier, the late Dr. the Right Excellent Sir Simeon Daniel, one of our National Heroes,” the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis added.
