Opposition’s Douglas congratulates new Nevis Premier

The leader of the opposition in St Kitts and Nevis has used part of his 2018 New Year message to praise the new premier of Nevis.

“I wish at this time to extend words of congratulations to the Concerned Citizens Movement for emerging the victors of the recently contested Nevis Island Administration elections,” said Denzil Douglas.

“I also wish to congratulate the new leader of the CCM and Premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, and wish him success in the term ahead.”

[caption id="attachment_8630" align="alignright" width="300"] Nevis Island Administration House of Assembly.[/caption]

Brantley took over from outgoing CCM leader and previous premier Vance Amory just before the election, and led his party to victory with four seats out five.

The opposition Nevis Reformation Party only managed one seat, one less than during the 2013 vote.

Their solitary seat was held by leader Joseph Parry – himself premier between 2006 and 2013 – who has since signalled his intention to stand down.

St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party leader Douglas paid tribute to the NRP stalwart.

“Mr Parry’s conviction as a Nevisian and a politician is among the strongest that I know,” he said.

“He stood for ageless principles that are critical to the integrity of our societies.

“I thank him most graciously for his many years of service and the extensive contribution to the overall development of Nevis and the Federation on a whole.

“May his legacy live on and serve as an immortal example of stellar leadership and citizenship.”

Amory was also praised by the federation’s ex-prime minister – who was in power from 1995 until 2015 – for the “years of leadership and service that he dedicated to the people of Nevis.”

[caption id="attachment_4528" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Vance Amory.[/caption]

“As a founding member of the CCM, his legacy is sure to live on through the works of the party’s new leadership,” Douglas added.