Page:1 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 NEWS Page:2 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 LOCALNEWS NEWS Parliament opens in grand style The Members of Parliament at the opening sesssion A section of the audience By Loshaun Dixon started with the arrival of was nominated by Prime The post of Deputy administered the Oath elected members who are the Mace and the Clerk Minister Dr. Timothy Speaker will be served and Affirmations. with us for the first time.” It was a grand affair held of the National Assembly Harris and Minister of by Dr. Bernicia Nisbett, in an untraditional loca- reading out the proclama- Foreign Affairs Mark a new Senator, who will Speaker Perkins thanked Governor General Sir tion, as a new National the members for electing Tapley Seaton QC then Assembly was sworn He said the Team Unity Government him to the post for a sec- delivered the throne in Wednesday morning ond time, and said that he speech, that highlighted at the St. Kitts Marriott “stands at the threshold of a new, would try to be fair, serv- the plans the Team Unity Resort Ballroom. ing in the Assembly. Administration has for the next five years. The auspicious occa- historic era that is destined to usher into “I am happy, honoured sion brought together and humbled to be re- people from all walks of St. Christopher and Nevis a period of re- turned as the speaker of life, including a National birth, resilience, renewal and this house. Four years ago He said the Team Unity Hero, former members when I was first elected, I Government “stands at of parliament, high rank- committed to presiding to the threshold of a new, his- ing civil servants, diplo- recommitment, designed to give the best of my ability to toric era that is destined to mats and guests of the be fair, transparent, and to usher into St. Christopher Parliamentarians. our people a stronger, safer future which attempt to treat members and Nevis a period of re- with equality. I have tried birth, resilience, renewal A new location was cho- they so deserve.” my best. I judge how well and recommitment, de- sen after the traditional I’ve done by what people signed to give our people parliamentary chambers tion by Governor General Brantley. He then took now take up the post va- say to me as they meet a stronger, safer future was deemed too small for Sir Tapley Seaton QC. the Oath of Affirmation catedto by Akilah Byron- over the four years.” which they so deserve.” the invited guests to prac- seal himself in the post for Nisbett, who is now an tice social distancing, but Anthony Michael the life of the Parliament. elected member of the Perkins also congratu- The opposition was ab- the ceremony proceeded Perkins was reelected National Assembly. lated all elected members sent from the opening of without a hitch in the new Speaker of the National Perkins will serve his sec- of the Assembly. the Session of Parliament, setting. Assembly, being the ond stint as Speaker, hav- The 12 members of deciding to boycott the only one who was nomi- ing held the post for the the Government side “I say particular con- sitting. The ceremony nated for the post. He past four years. of the Parliament were gratulations to the newly ADVERTISEMENTLOCALNEWS NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:3 Dr. Douglas: The battle continues By Loshaun Dixon to keep the public in- Opposition to rebuild formed and abreast of the the party to take back Leader of the St. Kitts issues. the government, and will and Nevis Labour Party work on transition and (SKNLP) Dr. Denzil “They tried to hold our succession. Douglas believes the feet to the fire with- re battle is not over, despite gard to the good gov- “Let us use the time wise- his party’s poor showing ernance agenda and the ly to continue the work of at the June 5 election. management of the fis- sharpening ourselves as a cal and economic affairs Party, a movement and as The SKNLP won two of our country,” said Dr a grassroots organization. out of the eight seats they Douglas.” Together we will work contested in St. Kitts, on our transitions, suc- with Dr. Douglas and “As we continue the re- cessions, transformation, newcomer Dr. Geoffrey branding and the fight and the Party’s develop- Hanley the only success- for good governance, we ment will be for the good ful candidates. must be reminded that that we can do for all all our actions must ring Kittitians and Nevisians Dr. Douglas said that the loudly with our eternal at home and abroad.” party will continue to do mission: “For the good good for the people of St. that we can do”. He reiterated that the Kitts and Nevis party will continue to Dr. Douglas said he be- push on to ensure “the “As Political Leader lieved his party slate of arithmetic of justice will of the St. Kitts-Nevis candidates for the last prevail.” Labour Party, this Party election was the best fit of Bradshaw, Southwell to govern. “We have the largest sup- and France, will never port base. We have the tire in doing good. Nor will of the people on our will we abandon our side. We the members of sacred mission first and“Our party is bursting the SKNLP thank God foremost as a grassroots, with the talent, energy for your support. We will socially-activist organi- and resources needed to demonstrate our grateful- zation and movement take us forward to victory ness as we continue to dedicated to the advance- in the future. Let us work build our membership by ment and upliftment of together bravely and developing relationships every man, woman and audaciously to address one person at a time, child of this country. It’s the persistent injustices one family at a time, one all about you.” and inequalities in our community at a time, country.” just as we have sought He said he believed the to build our country one party had championed The former Prime policy by progressive the democratic interests Minister said they policy at a time.” of the people and fought would use their time in Page:4 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 EDITORIALNEWS EDITORIAL A Prosperity formula. On Wednesday last, His Excellency the Governor General Sir Tapley, The current throne speech further expands on the vision and builds on it. delivered the Throne Speech to signal the opening of the Parliament that It promises to further diversify the economy, to continue to improve the arose out of the 9th General Election. This is the speech that outlines the quality of life for citizens and residents, to enhance personal and border policies and the pillars for the development of a country for the term of a protection, to enhance the public service and to preserve the environment newly elected government. by going “green”. In short, more of the policies and plans that generated the prosperity of the past five years. It is that prosperity that has carried us To better appreciate the current speech, we must recap the previous one through the era of covid-19. that was delivered on May 14th, 2015. To be successful, every citizen every resident must play its part. This is The 8th Throne Speech recognized the social, economic, political and cul- our country where prosperity is promised and offered to everyone. This is tural challenges that we faced as a country, and the threats to the well-being the time to put politics aside and reach for the success that is our common and advancement of our people and, therefore determined to resolve these destiny. permanently. It acknowledged the sacrifices made by our forbears in the fight against colonialism, slavery, and racial discrimination and determined We, the people believe that our country is in good hands; and the Observer to accept, cherish, and recognize the significance of their struggle as the pledges to do its part to ensure our continued success. Join us. foundation of our sovereign Independence, freedoms and human rights. The 2015 Throne Speech recognised, accepted and acknowledged that the values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, non-discrim- ination, and respect for all persons without regard to race, class, gender, ethnicity, language, religion, political opinion, place of our birth are the bedrock of our democracy and good governance. According to the statement, this was the ethos that drove our resolve to be better; to have national prosperity and to have a fair share for all. It was the implementation of policies and programmes that emanated from that phi- losophy that has led to a new and improved mandate to Team Unity from the people on June 5th 2020. The Federation’s Politically Independent News Source Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Kenneth Williams St. Kitts Nevis POB 657, Lower Market Street #1 Observer Plaza, Observer Drive Basseterre, St. Kitts, W.I. Charlestown, Nevis, W.I. Tel.: (869) 466-4994 Tel.: (869) 469-5907 Fax: (869) 466-4995 Fax: (869) 469-5891 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/ Editorial Policy: The Observer reserves the right to edit, rewrite, summa- rise or reject any unsolicited material. We will assume that all letters ad- dressed to The Observer or its staff are intended for publication unless oth- erwise stated. Letter writers are required to sign their names and are asked to include a telephone number to allow verification.