Full statement by Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris on tripartite meet of Team Unity

My fellow citizens and residents, today the Leaders of the parties comprising the tri-partite Team Unity Movement met at the Cabinet Room, Government Headquarters to continue the discussion regarding the way forward for the Team Unity Administration.  Today’s meeting was a follow up to that held last Wednesday, in which my colleagues put forward some areas of concern for my consideration.  Given the nature of the concerns presented, it was agreed that we would meet today, at which time I would present my views on the matters raised. The meeting was cordial as was the one held last week. At today’s meeting, I proposed a framework to address the issues raised.   This framework included the introduction of a Code of Conduct for the better functioning of the Cabinet. I further proposed that all Ministries should be subject to greater accountability to the Cabinet through regular reporting so that members may be better apprised of the workings of the entire Government.  In response to demands that portfolios be reassigned, I committed to undertake a review of the make-up of the Cabinet in due course with a view to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Government as a whole.  I made clear that I could not allow the constitutional prerogative of the Office of the Prime Minister to be diminished.

I informed colleagues that further progress has been made with the World Bank giving its consent to undertake a study to advise on equitable revenue sharing arrangements between the Federal Government and the Nevis Island Administration.  In the interim, the budgetary support to our sister island of Nevis has been increased as per the request of the Hon Premier.

I recognize that the political events over the last several weeks have created considerable and undue anxiety, discomfort and uncertainty for you the beloved people of St Kitts and Nevis. It is for this reason that I remain fully committed to the process that would bring this unfortunate situation to an end.  I believe at this time our Country must have a Cabinet that is fully committed to addressing the pressing issues that confront our people such as job creation, the cost of living, caring for our elderly and the poor, providing housing, maintaining the peace and

security within our Nation and ensuring our socio-economic recovery from the pandemic.  In so doing, we would be providing hope and opportunities to our people for a better tomorrow.

While every issue of concern to members cannot be addressed and resolved at this moment, I remain open to further discussions.

In closing, it is my fervent wish that we will all use this Easter Weekend as a time of reflection, prayer and contemplation on the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for mankind.  Let us continue to take our Country to God in prayer, and seek His divine protection over our Nation.

May God continue to bless the people of St Kitts and Nevis.

I Thank You.