Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): During the scheduled Sitting of Parliament on Thursday, August 01, 2024, which was adjourned until Friday, August 02, 2024, Parliamentarians in St. Kitts and Nevis honoured the late Glen “Ghost” Phillip, who once served as a Member of Parliament and Member of Cabinet from 2010-2015.
Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Eight, the Honourable Dr Terrance Drew and other officials expressed their admiration for Phillip’s service and dedication, underscoring the indelible mark he left on the country through his work in Parliament and his mentorship of the nation’s youth.
“His mark on this nation will be written. It will never be forgotten because he had the opportunity to serve in this Parliament, given, of course, the permission by his people through an electoral process. In other words, they voted for him in the majority from Constituency Four to represent them in this Honourable House,” said Dr. Drew.
Dr. Drew added that the government under his leadership is also grateful for Phillip’s contributions, noting his involvement in both the legislative and executive branches to ensure the government responded to the needs of the people.
Minister of Sports et al. and Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Four, the Honourable Samal Duggins, expressed his sorrow.
“This is a very touching day because he wasn’t just a comrade, a past Member of Parliament for the constituency that I am now blessed to represent, but he was a personal friend,” said Minister Duggins. “As I stand here, I stand with a heart full of sorrow, but also recognizing that there is a necessity for strength because as a community, a constituency and a country, we still have to carry on.”
Minister Duggins mentioned ongoing discussions about engagements that Phillip was to be involved in, which the ministry and government were looking forward to.
Minister of Tourism et al., and Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Two, the Honourable Marsha Henderson, also extended condolences to Phillip’s family, friends, and well-wishers. She remarked on his character and his contributions.
“I can personally attest to the fact that he would have worked along with the good people in Central Basseterre particularly James ‘Barman’ Hanley and the Hitters Basketball Team,” said Minister Henderson. “He would have given his time and service to the young men in the Central Basseterre Community by mentoring them not just through sports, but providing leadership, counselling and guidance for the young men and women, of course.”
Minister Henderson emphasised that adjourning Parliament in his honour was appropriate and hoped his legacy would inspire current members.
The Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure et al. and Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Three highlighted Phillip’s lasting impact on society.
“Mr. Phillip has made an indelible mark on the history of St. Kitts and Nevis. Every time that we have [Caribbean Premier League] CPL Games here, we must remember the contribution that he would have made towards bringing Warner Park to the standard that would allow for the high level of entertainment that we see in that particular facility,” said Minister Maynard. “To his constituents who he would have served for five years from 2010-2015, I have always heard about his warm countenance and his disarming nature whenever in the presence of his constituents.”
As a former minister of government, and an advisor in the Ministry of Sports up until his untimely passing, Mr. Phillip tirelessly worked to shape the future of the nation’s youths. Known for his selfless dedication, Phillip aimed to nurture the next generation of basketball scholars, university graduates, and professional players.