BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – “I am of the view that this decision taken against Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris is wrong, ill-conceived and not in the best interest of national stability and unity.”
Deputy Prime Minister in the Denzil Douglas-led Administration, the Hon. Sam T. Condor expressed this view by way of press release which was disseminated to the media earlier today (Jan. 28).
He referred specifically to Dr. Douglas’ firing of a Senior Minister in his Cabinet, the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris, for posing strong opposition to the thrust of Cabinet and Government.
Condor expressed that notwithstanding the Prime Minister’s “authority to appoint or disappoint members of the Cabinet”, prudence and fairness should undergird the exercise of such authority.
“I can find no justification in the reasons postulated by the Hon. Prime Minister for the dismissal of Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, who as an Elected Member of Parliament, stood in duty and in conscience to articulate deep concerns regarding the impact that certain Bills before Parliament could have on our nation and nation’s people. Dr. Harris stood in accordance with his oath, as he was obligated to do and to do without fear or favour. Indeed, the law of the land protects him in that regard.
“An example is the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act, Cap. 2.04 of the Laws of Saint Christopher and Nevis (Revised Edition 2002). Section 10 (b) states as follows:
‘Any person who…endeavours to compel any member by force, insult or menace to declare himself or herself in favour of or against any proposition or matter pending or expected to be brought before the National Assembly or any committee…commits an offence and shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding seven hundred and fifty dollars, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both’.”
Condor opined that in their opposition of both the Land-for-Debt Swap Bill and the Increase in Senators Bill, his and Harris’ position was “principled and morally and philosophically correct”.
He also contends that Dr. Douglas’ decision to “penalise/victimise” Dr. Harris for taking what he considers a just stance, is wrong.
“It is well documented that Dr. Harris and I are both opposed to the Bills regarding the Land for Debt Swap and the Increase in Senators, on the ground that they are contrary to the best interest of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. And mindful as we are of the fact that the philosophy and tradition of the Labour Party has always been in keeping with the aspirations for empowerment of the masses of this our beloved country, we are committed servants to this philosophy.”
The Deputy Prime Minister’s suggestion is that this recent move by Prime Minister Douglas is a sideshow by which the public ought not allow itself to be distracted.
