BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – REACTING to news that the two Government Backbenchers, Hons. Dr. Timothy S. Harris and Sam T. Condor, have intentions of forming a political party to contest the next General Elections, political activist Washington ‘Washie’ Archibald has congratulated the men on the “wise” move.
The announcement of the consideration was made recently by WINNFM 98.9 which had interviewed Condor on the matter.
And during an interview with SKNVibes, Archibald – historian and educator – suggested that the men were “wise” in making that decision especially since a political party would provide an organisational structure under which they would operate, campaign and contest the elections.
“Now that Tim and Sam are saying that they might form a new Labour Party with a different name but with Labour in it, some people are saying some ridiculous things. The point is that it would be better for these men to go into the election representing a party than to go in as two independent men. Because, as a party, they would be backed by an organisation and they would be representing an organisation.”
Archibald clarified what he described as a misconception concerning the proposed Unity Government.
He said there are those who would refer to it as a “unity party” which does not exist. What exists, he explained, is the proposed unity government which, once Condor and Harris follow through with their plans of the formation of a party, would consist of three political parties.
“So it is a very wise move and I’m glad that these men have now thought about it to have a party to represent. Now, there is nothing wrong; it is not that the unity party has broken up because there was no unity party in the first instance. These six men who are talking about unity, they are talking about a unity government which consists of the different strands of the different parties.
“Now, if we are talking about a Unity Government which consists of people from different parties, it seems logical to me that they will have to have a party that they are representing. So while Shawn and Hamilton are representing the PAM party and Vance and Brantley are representing the CCM party, Tim and Sam would be representing whatever Labour Party they have because they are still faithful and loyal to the ideals of the Labour Party.”
Archibald indicated that another reason for his support of Condor and Harris’ decision is that it increases their chances of re-election when compared to contesting the next elections as independent candidates.
Harris is the Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Seven and Condor is the Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Three.
