BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER calling for Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas’ resignation in January, Dwyer Astaphan said he is awaiting more signs that would indicate the stepping down of the political leader.
“I have seen some signs that the Prime Minister does not want to carry on for too much longer. However, I need to see more signs before I go out and campaign for anyone,” said the former Minister of National Security and member of Douglas’ Cabinet.
Astaphan reiterated the stance he took earlier in the year – that the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) is in need of fresh leadership. Earlier this year, he called for Douglas’ resignation within three to six months after the next general elections.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday (June 4), he clarified his opinion, saying, “I think it is important in the interest of the Labour Party for fresh leadership to come. It’s nothing personal against anyone, but it’s to keep the process fresh and vibrant. I have every confidence the Deputy Prime Minister and the Party Chairman are capable people. I have advocated, using the British style – if you have a party in office for three terms, during the third term the leader really should move on. That’s why I’m advocating term limits for the Prime Minister position.”
He however noted it would be unrealistic to expect the SKNLP to change its leader now (with impending elections), but stated he was of the view that the transition to new leadership would happen sometime soon.
“I don’t think it’s reasonable or prudent to expect the Labour Party will change its leader now. I think Dr. Douglas wants to carry the party to an election victory and then begin the transition in the short to medium term for new leadership. I don’t believe it will be long in coming for the transition of a new leader within the party,” Astaphan predicted.
In response as to why he did not challenge Douglas’s position as SKNLP Political Leader during the annual SKNLP Conference, Astaphan bluntly expressed his pessimism at the ramifications of such a move. He asserted that it would have done more harm than good at the time.
“I did not think it would achieve anything by challenging the Prime Minister in the Labour Party Conference. There is a lot of Labour Party supporters who share my views but do not think now is the right time.
“After consultation I realised it would serve no purpose to mount a challenge and that it would create disaffection more than anything else. Some political interests would have liked that to happen; however, it is not my intention to destroy or weaken the Labour Party, but at the same time I have to express my views,” said Astaphan.
