BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – It seems there are still a number of holes in the plan, effected over a month ago, to restructure and reallocate specific portfolios in the Ministry of National Security.
It was on August 31, that Prime Minister of St. Christopher and Nevis, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas proclaimed to the nation that he took the decision to relieve his Deputy, Sam Condor, of his responsibilities for the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force and added them to his list of responsibilities.
The reallocation, according to Dr. Douglas, meant that Condor was no longer the Minister of National Security but rather the Minister of Homeland Security which comprises Immigration, Passports, Prisons, Fire & Rescue Services, and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The move gave rise to mixed emotions amongst locals and persons within the diaspora with some lauding him for finally taking responsibility for the Federation’s spiralling crime situation, while others classified the move as foolish and not in the best interest of the country.
It was also deemed by some, a serious blow to, and one of disrespect for Deputy Prime Minister Condor, who had assumed the position of Minister of National Security in February 2010, shortly after the General Elections.
Prior to the portfolio shift, Astona Browne was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security. And according to Condor, who while before Parliament, recently providing reasons for his absence during the penultimate sitting of that Assembly, informed that to date, the administrative leg of the ministry is left wanting.
“As I speak however, Mr. Speaker, the administrative arrangements for the ‘restyled Ministry’ are as yet not completed. This is a most unfortunate, uncalled-for situation, which has caused the Ministry, to be without the service of its new Permanent Secretary and other Senior Administrative Officers for one month now.”
He, however, expressed his hope that the issue would be speedily addressed.
“I am hoping Mr. Speaker, for a satisfactory solution to this matter, so that the restyled Ministry could indeed be fully functional. In the meanwhile, I wish to thank members of the general public for their understanding and patience in this matter.”
