“There is no meaningful platform where tripartite can build within present system”, says Deputy PM Richard

However, Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, a leader of the People's Labour Party, Mark Brantley, leader of the Concerned Citizen's Movement, and Shawn K Richards, leader of the People's Action Movement, had also conducted a meeting the last Thursday and yesterday, the meeting was a follow up of it. 

"There is no meaningful platform where tripartite can build within present system", says Deputy PM Richard

St Kitts and Nevis: Politics is witnessing huge turmoil in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis as the governing Team Unity indicates the serious breakdown of communication and trust within member parties. On Thursday, April 14, 2022, the tripartite leaders held a meeting to develop a relevant solution, but it dramatically failed. 

The meeting was held at the cabinet room, government headquarters, to continue the discussion on the way forward for the Team Unity administration. 

However, Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, a leader of the People’s Labour Party, Mark Brantley, leader of the Concerned Citizen’s Movement, and Shawn K Richards, leader of the People’s Action Movement, had also conducted a meeting the last Thursday and yesterday, the meeting was a follow up of it. 

In the meeting, Mark Brantley and Shawn K Richards raised some issues and matters of concern in front of PM Harris. 

On the other hand, Prime Minister Harris also proposed a framework in the meeting, which includes the introduction of a code of conduct for the better functioning of the cabinet. 

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Outlining the various ideas of the meeting, he noted, “I put forward that all ministries should be subject to great accountability to the cabinet through regular reporting so that members may be better apprised of the working of the entire government.”

PM Harris stressed that the portfolios could be reassigned, and he is undertaking a review to make the prefect cabinet in due course with a view to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the government as a whole. 

He emphasized that he could not allow any kind of constitutional provocative of the office of the Prime Minister to be diminished. 

While quoting about the CBI fund, PM Harris said that he told the World Bank to undertake a study to advise equitable revenue-sharing arrangements between the Federal government and the Nevis Island Administration. 

He said that his government has supported the sister island, and progress has been made in every aspect and added, “The budgetary support to Nevis has been increased as per the request of Premier Brantley.”

Presenting dismay over the events that happened in recent days, PM Harris cited, “I recognize that the political events over the last several weeks have created considerable and undue anxiety, discomfort, and uncertainty for the people of St Kitts and Nevis.”

He stressed that this is not the time to indulge in pity politics but to address the issues which affect the lives of the people, such as job creation, the cost of living, caring for the elderly people and much more. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of PAM, Shawn Richards, also outlined some factors of the meeting. While concluding the meeting as a failure, Deputy PM also called for an emergency meeting of the PAM to discuss ways for further actions.

He stated that PAM and CCM gave some time to Prime Minister Harris to consider several issues. “However, while there was some minor progress on a few issues, it was not what the country needed for an urgent resolution. Both the leaders of PAM and CCM presented reasonable proposals that we felt would be adequately addressed important issues of national interest such as good governance, transparency and accountability. But it turned out to be a bridge too wide for the prime minister to cross,” said Richards. 

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Shawn Richards also presented his disappointment for not taking any decisive steps that were needed to ensure to fulfil the gaps between the parties in the two sittings. 

Shawn Richards reported that there is no meaningful platform where all three political parties can build within the present system, and with original promises of good governance, broken faith and trust continued to be diminished.

 “I have decided, as leader of PAM, to meet immediately with my caucus in an emergency session. I will duly report to them in the tale about what transpired today and seek the input on all the issues; thereafter, we will decide our way forward. At the end of our consultations, PAM will provide the nation with the comprehensive statement that would be definitive on the way forward for us,” concluded Shawn Richards.

Following the discussions, Premier of Nevis and Leader of Concerned Citizens Movement Mark Brantley quickly showcased his feelings on Facebook and wrote, “Today has been a difficult day, but I wish to say thanks to the many who have called and messaged to say that they are praying for me just as I too am praying for wisdom, discernment and God’s abiding grace upon us and upon our Nation.”