Last Updated on October 23, 2022, 9:03 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Opening of the First Session of Parliament after the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party came to power is scheduled for Tuesday, which is on October 25, 2022, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort Royal Ballroom in Frigate Bay.
The Opening Session will be preceded by a Guard of Honour which will take place at around 9:30 am in the Grand Plaza. According to the Section 46 (1) of the Constitution of St. Christopher and Nevis, the Proclamation Summoning the New Session of the National Assembly will be read.
After the Proclamation, a new Speaker of the House will be elected and subsequently a Deputy Speaker. The National Assembly’s Speaker has been elected by the Members.
As the presiding officer, they decide all procedure questions, maintain order with complete impartiality and protect the privilege of freedom of speech by ensuring that all Members are given a fair opportunity to express their views – but within the rules.
The newly elected Speaker will give their announcements which the Throne Speech will follow by Governor General’s Deputy, Marcella Althea Liburd Esq, JP.
The first meeting of the National Assembly will be held on Thursday, October 27, at 10:00 am at the National Assembly Chamber, Government Headquarters, Basseterre.
PM Dr Terrance Drew during his first press conference on October 17, hinted at the possibility of the new Speaker of the House being a female.
Prime Minister Terrance Drew said, “We understand that gender equality is essential for economic prosperity. You can look forward to equal involvement in our government system. As a matter of fact, there is a high possibility that we will have a female Speaker of the House and there is also the prospect of our first female Governor-General. Let’s stay tuned for announcements. You can look forward to the new opening of Parliament on Tuesday, October 25 25, 2022, and we encourage all to tune in.”
The governing St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party have a majority of six elected representatives in the lawmaking body. The Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) has three, while both the People’s Action Movement (PAM) and the People’s Labour Party each have one.
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.
