BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) finally named its new nine-member Cabinet on Sunday (Feb. 7) at Warner Park, ending weeks of speculation about its composition and delivering a first in federal history.
His Lordship Justice Francis Belle administered the Oaths of Allegiance, Office and Secrecy to the new ministers, and was followed by Governor-General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, who presented them with the Instruments of Appointment.
Returning and four-time Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas assumed responsibility for Finance, Sustainable Development and Human Resource Development. His 14-year Deputy Hon. Sam Condor picked up the portfolios of Foreign Affairs, National Security, Labour, Immigration and Social Security.
Condor previously held Foreign Affairs from 2000-2001 but lost his major portfolios of Education and Youth to other ministers on Sunday.
The biggest surprise of the evening came when Patrice Nisbett, the Nevis Reformation Party’s successful candidate in Constituency Eleven, was appointed Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs. This marks the first time since independence that a Nevisian has been appointed as AG in the Federal Cabinet.
The post of AG was formerly held by Dennis Merchant, who, according to PM Douglas, did not offer to continue serving in that capacity because of his dual citizenship.
Merchant was also found in contempt of court during his AG term, which did not stop the PM from naming him as General Counsel for the federal government.
SKNLP Chairman Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris lost Finance to Douglas but still amassed the most portfolios with seven – International Trade, Consumer Affairs, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, Maritime Resources and Constituency Empowerment.
Another Labour Party veteran, Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin, retained the Public Works and Utilities portfolios but now also presides over Housing and Energy.
The SKNLP’s victorious first-time candidates were not left out of the ministerial loop. Hon. Marcella Liburd received the Ministries of Health, Social Services, Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, while Hon. Glenn ‘Ghost’ Phillip is the new Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports, Information Technology, Telecommunications and Post.
Hon. Nigel Carty and Hon. Ricky Skerritt were returned as Senators, with Carty serving as Minister of Education and Information, and Skerritt holding onto Tourism and gaining the International Transport portfolio.
Labour’s two unsuccessful candidates in the January 25 Elections, Cedric Liburd and Dr. Norgen Wilson, were named as Advisors in the Ministries of Tourism and International Transport, and National Security and Immigration, respectively.
In his address to the sizeable crowd, PM Douglas gave a glimpse into the new Cabinet agenda, revealing plans to “dramatically” reduce the national debt and advance tourism projects such as Kittitian Hill, Christophe Harbour and LaVallee. He promised that his government would exercise greater fiscal responsibility and facilitate increased public discussion through the establishment of private and public sector consultative councils.
The new Cabinet will also implement a wide range of social sector initiatives, including an immediate review of existing crime-fighting initiatives with the aim of determining their effectiveness and committing more resources.
Despite what he noted were “many severe challenges”, the Federation’ leader was optimistic about the country’s future.
“This ceremony is the epilogue of the past 14 years – 14 years of challenge and change. It is also the prologue of greater progress and prosperity for all of us here.
“Nothing and no one can stop us in making this country great, because God has destined it. It is now for you, and each and everyone one of us to pledge and commit to do our part to realise the dream of this prosperous nation.”
