St. Kitts & Nevis: Motion of no confidence filed against Prime Minister Timothy Harris

Disgruntled members of the coalition Team Unity government Tuesday confirmed that they had filed a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, Timothy Harris, even as they left the “door ajar” for some form of reconciliation to end the rift that has split the 6-year-old government.

Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM), Shawn Richards, said in a broadcast that the motion had been filed on Monday and they were also leaving the “door ajar, but only for a short while”.

“Let us see if anyone would ring the doorbell or knock on the door of opportunity. However, because of the distrust we have experienced over the years we, PAM and CCM (Concerned Citizens Movement) were forced to act in the best interest of St. Kitts & Nevis.

“Good men cannot continue to stand by and see our nation hurting and not take action. Therefore on Monday, 25th April 2022, the majority of the members of the Team Unity government formally lodged with the Clerk of Parliament a motion of no confidence in the leadership of the Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris,” Richards said.

Last week, 7 legislators linked to the government wrote to Governor General Sir Samuel Weymouth Tapley Seaton, indicating that the prime minister does not command the support of the majority of elected members in the National Assembly.

But the Head of State has responded indicating that he is awaiting “formal advice” on the situation and would “revert to you at the earliest”.

Harris has himself called on the population to be aware of “certain misgivings in the public domain concerning issues raised by the Team Unity partners”.

“I wish to assure you, as your prime minister that the country remains stable and every effort will be made to maintain the peace and tranquility of our beloved federation,” he added.

The coalition government comprises Harris’s People’s Labour Party, PAM and the CCM. The PLP controls two of the 9 seats in the coalition government with the 2 other seats in the National Assembly belonging to the opposition St. Kitts & Nevis Labour Party which has already called for fresh general elections to end the crisis in the government.

Richards said he expects that in keeping with the rules of Parliament, the motion will be placed on the Order Paper “for an urgent sitting and that a sitting of Parliament to hear the motion will be scheduled at the earliest.” – (CMC)