Newly-appointed Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Dennis Merchant (l) receives his Instrument of Appointment from Governor General, His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian.

"I trust that what we have done here today, and will do in the future, together, will continue to strengthen our democracy, reinforce the accountability and transparency of those who hold Public Office, and to deepen the confidence of the masses of our people, in their Representatives and our Organs of State," Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor told the Hon. Dennis Hamilton Merchant, moments after he was sworn in Monday morning.

Merchant, a national of St. Kitts and Nevis and the third Attorney General since political independence in 1983, was administered the oaths of office and allegiance by Resident High Court Judge, His Lordship Mr. Justice Frances Belle at Government House.

Condor, deputising for Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, noted it was just last Friday that the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly paid tribute and expressed thanks to the outgoing Attorney General, Hon. Delano Bart.

Mr. Condor told the new Attorney General that he is joining a Department with employees who are eager to continue their mission, to work to assist the Government in protecting the security and liberty of the Federation and all its citizens and residents.

"I am confident that you would be able to bring the leadership necessary, to bolster this very critical arm of Government," said Minister Condor.

He noted that as the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis strives to provide equal justice, "we must ensure that people from all backgrounds, trust the Legal System."

Newly-appointed Attorney General, Hon. Dennis Merchant (left), his sister, Angela Stanley (c) and father, Clement Harvey (right).

He was of the view that "the racing heart, and butterflies in the stomach, will soon give way to the joy of being honoured with the trust of the Government and the Kittitian and Nevisian People; the desire to meet the expectation of others and your own, in the performance of your task, and a deep respect for the wisdom over the ages, that has emanated from this office."

The Deputy Prime Minister told Mr. Merchant that the Nation was grateful that "you have agreed to put your skills and humanity in the service of this office; and in the service of Democratic Governance. In return, we must now provide you with the tools and moral support you need to execute your duties."

The ceremony was witnessed by Governor General, His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian; Ministers of Government, Mr. Merchant's father,  Clement Harvey; sister, Angela Stanley and colleagues in the Director of Prosecution Office and Office of the Attorney General. His mother, Rose, is in the United Kingdom on vacation.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Dennis Merchant (c) takes the Oath of Office from Resident High Court Judge, His Lordship, Mr. Justice Frances Belle (r) as Governor General His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian looks on.