Last Updated on January 31, 2020, 5:40 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Office of the Prime Minister has reportedly flexed its muscles in getting a brother of St Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, appointed to a senior position in the local chapter of an international organisation.
According to multiple sources over the past few days, St Kitts and Nevis Red Cross have been asked to appoint Hester Rawlins, former fire chief and one of Dr Harris’ brothers, as Director-General.
“Hester has never been a member of the St Kitts or Nevis Red Cross,” a source, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation said on Monday.
“After the President, the Director-General has the most power in that society,” another, who also requested the name not be mentioned said Wednesday.
“There are persons who have dedicated their entire lives to the building of the Red Cross here. I hope the people of the country see what is happening. Its an attempt of controlling an international organisation that gives assistance when and where necessary and coral all of its resources to the benefit of one man, his family and supporters. This Red Cross is not a family busines. It serves people,” said a third person, who also requested anonymity.
According to the media platform, Devex, the Red Cross became active in St. Kitts since April 1942 when there was a Branch Depot originally located at Lilac Cottage on Liverpool Row owned then by the firm of T. R. Evans Ltd. or part of the building in which Ram’s is house now as Karibhana on Liverpool Row.
Before attaining the Status of a Society, St. Kitts & Nevis Red Cross was an overseas Branch of the British Red Cross Society, ably supported by the parent body in the form of trained help and aided financially up to the present time. At that time the wife of the Governor General was the Ex-Officio the President of the Society.
St. Kitts and Nevis Red Cross Society came into being after the Act of The House of Assembly passes on July 24, 1985. It has since met all the requirements for acceptance on October 26, 1993, in the League of Red Cross (now known as the Federation ) and Red Crescent Societies and in the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Under the new Constitution, the St. Kitts and Nevis Red Cross Society must include within its structure a Branch for each Island and District who will be responsible to these Branches.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
