By Floyd French
Observer Reporter
floydfrench@thestkittsnevisobserver.com
(Basseterre, St. Kitts) Chairman of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris has praised Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan for his dedicated public service over the years. Dr. Harris’ tribute came in an official communiqué as party chairman on July 15.
The release says Astaphan’s service “to both country and party is worthy of the highest commendation” and goes on to praise him for his sacrifice.
“In the first place, the challenge for him to take on the task of contesting for election to parliament was one that was presented to him, not one that he had sought after, it was a matter which caused him deep soul searching and lengthy consideration. Persons who were involved recall the numerous meetings and lengthy discussions which took place before Mr Astaphan eventually agreed to accept ‘the call”,” it states.
Dr. Harris also notes that Astaphan gave up “his personal law practice and the level of remuneration” as part of the sacrifice in order to serve the people.
Hon. Dwyer Astaphan has resigned from his ministerial responsibilities for national security, immigration and labour. He is at present on vacation leave until July 31, when his resignation takes effect.
Hon. Asim Martin who is performing the ministerial duties in Astaphan’s absence is expected to have the Ministry of National Security, Immigration and Labour as part of his portfolio. The Prime Minister is also expected to make an official announcement before July 31.
Astaphan has not resigned as a Member of Parliament, and he is expected to serve the people of St. Christopher 2 until the end of the current parliament.
The release notes this fact and bolsters confidence that Astaphan “remains deeply committed to the Labour Movement.”
As a Minister of Tourism, Astaphan has been credited with the organising the Music Festival that had its 12th year of existence in June. Dr. Harris also credited him for significant gains in Trade and Commerce, a previous portfolio he held too.
Astaphan had pledged only two terms in office before he was elected in 1995, but he is serving a third term after his constituents asked him.
While his departure does not come as a surprise, it is nonetheless significant because his incumbency had proven a formidable challenge to his opponents. Astaphan had maintained comfortable margins of victory in his successful election bids in St. Christopher 2. Political pundits are speculating his departure would give the PAM candidate a better chance at winning the seat over the new Labour candidate, former Speaker Marcella Liburd.
