…first major statement following elections defeat
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - FORMER Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Seven, Dr. Timothy Harris is promising to “constructively contribute” to the New Parliament despite being on the Opposition Benches.
Dr. Harris and the then Unity Government had a public spat that lasted for seven months culminating in the defeat at the August 5th General Elections, which the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party won six of the 11 seats on offer to form the new government.
“I intend to faithfully and constructively contribute to Parliamentary life, not only on behalf of my constituents, not only on behalf of the 5,000-plus voters who supported the PLP in the General Elections, but also on behalf of all the people of our beautiful twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Dr. Harris said in a media statement.
With the opening of the New Parliament yesterday (Oct. 25), the Constituency Seven Representative was sworn-in to the National Assembly for the eight time.
Following that, he said: “I will do all in my power to advance the development of our country.”
The often outspoken Representative has been silent since his final campaign speech, and many had questioned whether or not he would continue as a Member of Parliament for the Constituency and, if he does, would he remain in the position for the duration of the term.
But based on his media statement, it appears that he is in it for the long term, stating in part that: “We are at a critical juncture on our journey of nation building. The work done over the last seven (7) years has set our country on a strong development trajectory with the best financial standing in our history and also in the Americas. We have instituted programmes to reduce crime and made our streets safe again. Our vulnerable citizens and residents were being helped with income support among other social safety net programmes.”
“Over the last seven (7) years, we aimed to put energy sustainability on a firm footing through our solar farm project. Our perennial water problems were being addressed. The future of our country was bright. Our citizens and residents experienced growth and progress in all areas of human endeavor,” added Dr. Harris.
While he sits on the Opposition Benches with the other two leaders and members who sought to have him removed as Prime Minister, Dr. Harris said he is committing himself “to promote and defend our democracy, freedom, fairness, justice, good governance and progressive policies that will put our people to work and incentivize their entrepreneurial endeavors”.
But as he promises to champion the cause of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis while in opposition, the former Prime Minister will have to seek to rebuild the trust of the general populace.
During the elections campaign, a seed of discord was sown by the other and that resonated with the public, resulting in the loss of one of the two seats his People’s Labour Party had.
That was also evident during the opening of Parliament when he was being sworn-in as a member of Parliament, as he was booed by those in attendance in the gallery.
