Dr. Douglas tables draft proclamation

The St. Kitts-Nevis National Assembly is set to resume on March 10th Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas informed on Wednesday. Addressing the local media core for the first time since being sworn in for a fourth term as prime minister, Dr. Douglas said the traditional Throne Speech would be delivered at the first convening of parliament.

"Within a matter of weeks there will be the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament as well as the presentation of the 2010 fiscal year Budget. The special emphasis of this government during this term on the heightened development of our people will be clear, with innovative policies both to develop the individual and to energize communities," he said.

When asked about the appointment of a new Deputy Speaker of House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Douglas said selection of the post is "usually done by Parliament so maybe by then we would know". Newly-appointed Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Hon. Patrice Nisbett of the Nevis Reformation Party served in that capacity during the last term of government however according to chapter IV, section 32 of the constitution, the position cannot be held by a member of Cabinet or Parliamentary Secretary.

The constitution also states that when National Assembly meets for the first time after any general elections, before it proceeds with any other business except the election of a Speaker of the House of Assembly, a Deputy Speaker must be elected. Hon. Curtis Martin is expected to resume duties as Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Elected parliamentarians People's Action Movement Hon. Shawn Richards and Hon. Eugene Hamilton, and Concerned Citizens' Movement Hon. Vance Amory and Hon. Mark Brantley along with one opposition senator will be sworn in as members of the National Assembly to join the Labour Administration Cabinet of PM Hon. Dr. Douglas, Deputy PM Hon. Sam Condor, Hon. Marcella Liburd, Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris, Hon. Glenn Phillip, Hon. Dr. Asim Martin, Senator Hon. Richard Skerritt, Senator Hon. Nigel Carty and Attorney General Hon. Patrice Nisbett.

The Hon. Mark Brantley served as the previous leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition in the National Assembly, however no word has been forthcoming from opposition parliamentarians as to who will be appointed to the position for the new parliamentary term.

The life of the previous parliament ended on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 ahead of the January 25th, 2010 general elections where the SKNLP won 6 seats, PAM 2 seats, CCM 2 seats and NRP 1 seat.