His decision to be absent surrounds the reallocation of National Security portfolio.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The reconstruction of components of the Ministry of National Security once again weighed on the minds of the residents of St. Kitts Nevis when the former leader of that ministry raised the issue in the most-recent sitting of the Federal Parliament (Sept. 29).
Making his presentation under “Personal Explanations”, Minister Sam Condor sought to provide explanation for his absence during the last two days of the last sitting on Parliament (Sept. 1 and 2).
He said that as Leader of government business in the House of Parliament and as the elected representative for the people of Constituency No. Three, he is “duty bound” to indicate reason(s) for his absence.
On August 31, 2011, just hours after a new commissioner had been appointed to take command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas announced that he had stripped Condor of his police and defence force responsibilities and taken them onto himself. He had also indicated that Condor would remain responsible for prisons, NEMA and Immigration, among other things, and branded him “Minister of Homeland Security”.
The Deputy Prime Minister explained to the legislative body that under his leadership and through the involvement of others, tangible results were achieved “in the form of strategies, initiatives and programmes, inclusive of the Anti-Gang Prohibition Bill” which fostered some measure of “hope and great expectations” in the hearts of the people.
It is against this backdrop that Condor expressed that the unprecedented move of re-allocating the Ministry of National Security Portfolio came as a surprise. “And so, one was at a loss to understand the rational for the re-allocation of the Portfolio, with immediate effect; at a time when such an important tool, as the Anti-Gang Prohibition Bill, was being piloted through the Assembly, by me, as Minister with responsibility. In fact, I have done some research; and I am yet to find a similar instance anywhere.”
The former Minister of National Security elucidated that with that turn of events, and because he had “no further opportunity to add to the debate”, he was of the view that his presence in Parliament “would serve no useful purpose” especially since the resolution moved by the Minister of National Security was no longer applicable to him. Thus his decision to forego attending the final two days of that sitting of Parliament.
He said he approached state-owned medium, ZIZ, seeking airtime to clear the air, owing to the “most unacceptable…explanation proffered (and) mode and atmosphere conjured-up” in Parliament concerning the issue.
”It is public knowledge, that I was denied access to the National Station, for no justifiable reason. That incident, added “insult to injury”! I was immediately offered airplay by a number of media houses; and next morning, made a broadcast on WINNFM. For this I am eternally grateful. Mr. Speaker, I am of the view, that the denial of access constitutes serious disrespect and disregard for a Senior Member of Government and Parliament. I therefore think it appropriate, that this forms part of the records of this Honourable House.”
Deputy Prime Minister Condor assured the Speaker of the National Assembly that his decision not to attend Parliament for those two days was by no means meant to disrespect him or the other members of the Assembly.
