By: SKNIS, Press Release
Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 19, 2015 (SKNIS): His Excellency S. W. Tapley Seaton Q.C. promised to “uphold the high standards of office,” as he was sworn in as Acting Governor General, at Government Headquarters, this morning (May 19.)
“I pledge that to the country of St. Kitts and Nevis which I hold dear,” he committed. “And certainly that will be my entire desire and all that I would strive to accomplish.”
As the Queen’s representative to St. Kitts and Nevis, the acting governor general has a responsibility to Her Excellency Queen Elizabeth II as outlined in the oath.
The constitution was another key element. The acting governor general promised to “honour, uphold and preserve the constitution of St. Christopher and Nevis and the law,” and “consciencously, impartially” discharge his “duty as acting Governor General and do right to all manner of people without fear of favour, affection or ill-will.”
Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris congratulated His Excellency on his new appointment.
“We all have great expectations of him and of this office,” Prime Minister Harris said. “I have every confidence that he will perform to the delight and in accordance with the high expectations which every citizen ought to have of the office of the Governor General.”
Earlier today via a national broadcast, Prime Minister Harris announced that Attorney General Vincent Byron and himself had met with Sir Edmund Lawrence, yesterday, to appraise him that the queen had approved the withdrawal of his appointment as governor general and approved that of S.W. Tapley Seaton as acting governor general.
“I wish to record our gratitude to Sir Edmund and Lady Lawrence for their service in the said office,” Prime Minister Harris had said.
The brief ceremony was also attended by Resident Judge Her Ladyship Justice Marlene Carter, High Court Registrar Janine Harris-Lake, Cabinet representatives – Attorney General Vincent Byron, Minister Ian “Patches” Liburd, Minister of State Wendy Phipps and Cabinet Secretary Josephine Huggins.