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Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 18, 2016 (SKNIS): Senator Akilah Byron-Nisbett took the Oath of Office as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly today (18^thNovember) at a Sitting of the National Assembly in the National Assembly Chambers at Government Headquarters.

Senator Byron-Nisbett’s elevation as Deputy Speaker follows on the heels of Senator Michael Perkins, who was elevated to Speaker of the National Assembly from the deputy speaker position after Speaker Franklyn Brand’s resignation was declared in May of this year due to his ill health.

 

Mrs. Byron-Nisbett was appointed Senator in the National Assembly by the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton, on October 26, 2016, at a ceremony at Government House in the presence of Prime Minister Harris, other government ministers and officials, and family and friends.

 

Her appointment as Senator and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly has received widespread support from the Cabinet of the Government of National Unity, civil society organizations, professional women group, political organizations, and the first living national hero of St. Kitts and Nevis, The Right Excellent and Right Honourable Dr. Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.

 

The Dr. Denzil Douglas-led St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) was a no show for the swearing in of Senator Byron-Nisbett as Deputy Speaker. The SKNLP never appointed a Deputy Speaker for a full political term (2010-2015) although this is mandated by the Constitution of St. Kitts and Nevis.