BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – COPIES of a letter, purportedly written by Minister of National Security Hon. Sam T. Condor, are circulating on the Internet and one of them surfaced today (Dec. 8) in SKNVibes’ Newsroom.
The letter, dated November 25, 2010, indicates that Condor is annoyed with Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas over the dictatorial and disrespectful manner in which he imposes himself on the Ministries that fall within the Deputy Prime Minister’s portfolio.
“I specifically take great offence therefore, to the manner in which you continue to try to impose your choices and dictates in utter disrespect and in an autocratic manner on my Ministries,” the letter reads.
The first paragraph states that the two men held discussions on November 24, 2010, which Condor allegedly said for the most part was a sad reflection of the disregard and disrespect Douglas continues to demonstrate regarding Condor’s ability to make fundamental decisions in his Ministries.
“I find it necessary to point out that I am in fact, a mature, experienced, educated, Senior Minister of Government; the Deputy Leader of our Great Labour Party and a well respected member of society, who have held and still hold responsibility for major Portfolios of Government. It is my view that and from all accounts, I have at all times demonstrated a high level of competence and leadership, which in truth, has the approval of the overall society,” it further reads.
The contents of the letter suggest that Condor became annoyed over Douglas’ persistence for him to accept a certain female as an employee within one of his Ministries.
“For in spite of my emphatic refusal over the past nine (9) months or so to accept Ms. Jenna Evelyn as a member of my staff, you are, in essence, conjuring up a Post specifically for her. I find this to be so preposterous.
“I have made it pellucidly clear in and out of Cabinet that Ms. Evelyn is totally unacceptable to me as I have no confidence in her. I therefore refuse to have my views minimized or disregarded. For the record, I here again reiterate what I have repeatedly said to you. I will not work with Ms. Evelyn.”
The letter further reads, “If your repeated reference to the fact that you are the prime Minister, is meant to convey your belief that you have a divine right to dictate to your Ministers, then I must say to you that you are in my view and study, totally misguided; and further, that this attitude does not auger well for good relations.”
Another very important topic of public interest mentioned in the letter, is the long vacation granted to the Commander of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force.
“In regard to the vacation change you mentioned last evening for Colonel Patrick Wallace; I say to you that there is absolutely no need for a disruption. There is a comprehensive plan which was worked through with all concerned within the Ministry to cover this period. I therefore intend to continue to work this plan, as I see no useful purpose that could be served in curtailment of the Colonel’s leave.”
The letter notes Condor saying another fundamental truth that no one could dispute is the humble manner in which he has served his country and its inhabitants since his first term in Parliament, and more so as a Minister of the Labour Administration.
This part of the letter reads, “…I have humbly served my Country and Countrymen in a fair, loyal, credible, trustworthy and dedicated manner at all time and in all situations. I intend to continue to do just that. I trust therefore that you would see the wisdom in my decisions and choices, for the Good all.”
When contacted by this media house, Minister Condor said he had no comment to make on the letter allegedly written by him.
However, in a recent commentary headlined “Stand, choir, and sing!” published by this media house, former Minister and Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Two, Dwyer Astaphan indicated that Condor had written a letter to Douglas on issues that revolve around “Denzil’s notorious interfering and undermining ways with other ministers and their ministries”.
He stated that Condor is as devout and dedicated a Labour man as anyone could find, noting that his entire life has been steeped in the philosophy, principles and traditions of the Labour Movement. “Along with God and family, Labour is Sam’s love and passion,” Astaphan added.
Astaphan had hinted on the contents of the letter but with some reservations.
He said, “I am not going to go into the issues in this article, but I have been assured that the details will come out very soon. Suffice it to say that the issues could help to force Sam into further marginalization, and even to cause members of his family to turn against him and against each other.”
