Astaphan retires as Minister of Government!!
Will continue as Parliamentary Representative until…

By Stanford Conway
Editor-in-Chief-SKNVibes.com

Minister of National Security Hon. G A Dwyer Astaphan

Following last week’s rumour that Astaphan had relinquished his ministerial duties, the Minister, in a press release, today said for some time he was engaged in a process of deep and broad reflection and prayer which led him in a particular direction.

“Consequently, about four months ago, I advised Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas that I would stand down as a Minister of his Cabinet, effective 31st July, 2008.”

Astaphan however intimated that it is his intention and desire to continue serving the people of Central Basseterre as their Parliamentary Representative with vigour, tenacity and honour until Parliament is dissolved.

He also promised to continue in his search for remedies to the Federation’s problems with antisocial and criminal behaviour among its troubled youths.

Astaphan noted that he would also seek out ways to guide and encourage them along the path of self-esteem, pride, dignity, productivity, and economic and social safety, and to assist, however possible, in the vital process of encouraging greater parental and community responsibility and care in the development of the nation’s children.

He posited that youth empowerment is critical to the progress and stability of the nation, but it also requires the empowerment of families.

“However, notwithstanding my enthusiasm for the social intervention side of this issue, I shall continue to agitate vigorously for swifter and more effective and consistent discipline, security and justice; for greater and unstrained professionalism and efficiency from those who are involved in the delivery of security and justice; and for greater responsibility and leadership from parents, guardians and other adults, and from the social and economic partners, including the media of this Federation,” he added.  ~~Adz:Right~~

Astaphan said he would further continue, “without distraction”, to push for his constituents to go through their daily lives in peace and safety; to get jobs, land, homes and entrepreneurial and social opportunities; to receive the best available education and health care; and to have their communities well taken care of in terms of public utilities, amenities and services.

He extended gratitude to all the residents of his Constituency for their faith and trust in him and wished to assure them that “as long as our Almighty God allows me to, I shall, with every fibre of my being, continue to look out for their best interests, always vigorously and respectfully, always speaking truth to power; and I shall do this whether as a public servant or a private citizen”.

Addressing the quality of leadership in the Labour Movement, Astaphan said he would seek to build consensus and energy around the effort to ensure that those who lead, and would lead, are kept true to its noble and righteous cause, and that every person or government or any other institution in the Federation would be careful to avoid the consequences of acting contemptuously, condescendingly, disrespectfully or neglectfully towards the workers.
“Convinced as I am that the Labour Movement, under leadership that is sensitive, visionary, abidingly loyal to the empowerment of the small man and woman, and appreciative of the need to work with our economic and social partners, is a key prerequisite to the preservation and enhancement of democracy in, and to the economic, social and political development of our Federation.”

July 3, 2008 marked 13 years since Astaphan was elected to the National Assembly as the Representative of Constituency Two. He won his first term on Monday, July 3, 1995, his second in March 2000 and his third in October 2004.

Astaphan declared that from the first day he was appointed a Minister in the Labour Party Government, he had served honestly, faithfully and without fear or favour, and always sought the truth as well as God’s guidance and wisdom.

“I have worked hard, tirelessly dedicated to the philosophy of the Labour Movement and to the personal, social, economic and political empowerment and happiness of the people of this Federation. I have endeavoured to be a driving force in the effort to mould in our Federation a truly consultative, open, proactive and adaptable democracy, underpinned by the rule of law, by the principles of good governance and by social conscience.”  ~~Adz:Left~~

He pointed out that over the years that had been his approach as a Representative and as a Minister responsible for Tourism, Environment, Culture, Telecommunications, Information, Commerce, Consumer Affairs, National Security, Justice, Immigration and Labour.

“In all of my efforts heading up these portfolios, I have tried to bring creativity, energy, team spirit, efficiency, opportunity and a sense of well being to all involved, in the service of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. And I have always sought to have the issues related to these portfolios brought to the fore for open and constructive public debate.”

The Minister thanked all the people, groups, enterprises and institutions who and which had supported, encouraged, guided and held him up in their prayers over the years. He also thanked all of the public servants who have been helpful to him, and, more importantly, to the Federation during his tenure.

Additionally, he thanked his family and friends for their sacrifice, support and steady love, noting it has been and would be the greatest honour and privilege to serve his country.