Curtain-Raiser: Three in race for St Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister position

St Kitts and Nevis, a federal parliamentary democracy, with a population as low as around 50,000 people, was one of the earliest British colonies until the 20th Century. As an independent Commonwealth realm, St Kitts and Nevis has Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, represented by a Governor-General.

This twin-island nation is currently marching ahead with its parliamentary elections, which are anticipated for 2020. Currently, the Prime Ministerial race is among three eminent political leaders of the island – Former Prime Minister, Dr Denzil Llewellyn Douglas; current Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris; and the Premiere of Nevis, Mark Brantley.

Current Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris, and Premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, belong to the same blended political alliance 'Team Unity', composed of three political parties of St Kitts and Nevis – the People's Action Movement (PAM), the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), and the People's Labour Party (PLP).

Both leaders, being from the same side yet both running for the top position, is creating an awkward yet exciting political scenario in St Kitts and Nevis.

The internal sources of the 'Team Unity' alliance have revealed that Mark Brantley is becoming a strong contender for leader of the alliance, however the race is likely to remain a challenge for him as Prime Minister Harris also holds high authority in the alliance as one of its founding members.

Now, it remains to be seen who shall be appearing as the "Prime Ministerial Face" of the “Team Unity” alliance.

Former Prime Minister, Dr Denzil Llewellyn Douglas

Dr Denzil Douglas, who belongs to the oldest and arguably most influential political party, the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party, was one of the longest-serving Prime Ministers of the Federation, presiding for a period of nearly two decades.

Dr Douglas is a qualified medical practitioner, with a degree in medicine from the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, and served as the President of the Medical Association of St Kitts and Nevis in the late 1980s.

In 2011, Douglas was designated to Her Majesty’s Privy Council, with the prefix "Right Honourable" applied to his name.

After the sugar industry in St Kitts and Nevis was shattered, the Government under his administration opted to implement new measures for economic growth; one of which being the establishment of a robust tourism industry.

Some of the major accomplishments of the St Kitts and Nevis under his administration include – the opening of several international brand hotels such as JW Marriott (the largest hotel chain in the OECS, providing employment to over 1500 people); the construction of the famous Port Zante in Basseterre; the introduction of the shopping centre at Port Zante; and even the opening of the international airport. His government also succeeded in inviting international airlines such as American Airlines and British Airways to land at the Robert L. Bradshaw Airport.

The former leader is a renowned face in the political sphere in St Kitts and Nevis, with an emphasis on the tourism industry, education, and a thorough focus on an endeavour of entrepreneurship.

Current Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris

Timothy Harris is currently serving as the third Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, a position he has held since 2015. Previously, he held the positions of Minister of Foreign Affairs from 10 August 2001 to 25 January 2008; Minister for Finance from 2008 to 2010; and Senior Minister and Minister for Agriculture from 2010 to 2013.

Prime Minister Harris holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Administration majoring in Accounting and was honoured with the Victor Crooke Prize for Best Accounting Student.

Timothy Harris’ strong leadership qualities allowed him to clinch the victory in the St Kitts and Nevis General Election in 2015, being the only People's Labour Party member to win a seat in the 2015 parliamentary polling.

A large portion of St Kitts and Nevis’ economy depends upon the tourism industry, with around two to four cruise ships arriving at Port Zante daily. 'Team Unity', however, has not yet succeeded in generating any recognisable developments. Moreover, the Government under Timothy Harris seems to be struggling to achieve the promises it made in its 2015 manifesto.

Despite this, Prime Minister Timothy Harris appears to be competing unwaveringly with his cabinet member, Mark Brantley, who is evidently emerging as a more active and influential Prime Ministerial candidate in the upcoming 2020 General Election.

The Premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley

Mark Brantley is associated with the Nevis-based ‘Concerned Citizen's Movement’ (CCM) and holds the positions of Premier of Nevis and Minister of Foreign Affairs for St Kitts and Nevis. Brantley is a Law graduate and made his political debut back in 2007. His party CCM holds two of the total 11 parliamentary seats in the St Kitts and Nevis assembly.

Brantley is a young and fearless leader who has recently gained popularity in the twin-island nation. Although Prime Minister Timothy Harris and Mark Brantley are part of the same alliance, both leaders face problems of their own.

Unidentified sources may have uncovered that Team Unity's united front is breaking from the inside due to the political differences arising between Prime Minister Timothy Harris and Mark Brantley, but such reports remains unconfirmed.

Many feel that Brantley's superior ability to navigate the political landscape of St Kitts and Nevis makes him a more robust candidate than Dr Timothy Harris. Through his evident leadership capabilities, Brantley has managed to carve a place in the hearts of many Kittitians and Nevisians.

Although the election date is yet to be announced, there has been a notable change in the political atmosphere of the twin-island nation. In the coming months, it is inevitable that St Kitts and Nevis will get its new Prime Minister. It remains to be seen, however, who among these three brilliant candidates will win the right to leadership of St Kitts and Nevis.