Premier Defends Intended Appointment of Hon. Karl Dawson as Deputy Speaker

Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley has defended his intended move to appoint Hon. Karl Dawson as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, stating that the decision is necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of government.

During an interview on The Big Story with Cathy Richards on March 11, Premier Wheatley dismissed speculation about why Dawson was chosen over Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, insisting that the role is of critical importance.

“I don’t think it’s important why one or the other, because the role that Hon. Dawson will be playing is an extremely important one,” Premier Wheatley said. “We are seeking to move a resolution in the House of Assembly for him to become Deputy Speaker, and I certainly think he would be excellent in the role.”

The Premier explained that the intended appointment is needed to correct an imbalance, as previous deputy speakers have traditionally come from the government’s side. The current administration, however, has only seven members, comprising five Cabinet members and two Junior Ministers, neither of whom could take on the Deputy Speaker role.

“We had somewhat of an anomaly… so it’s important for us to be able to have a Deputy Speaker who can help us to move the agenda of the government along,” he said. “I want to thank Hon. Karl Dawson for putting country above self.”

Premier Wheatley also addressed concerns about the slow progress in the agriculture sector, acknowledging public frustration. He reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising the industry, listing ongoing initiatives such as the construction of a reservoir in Paraquita Bay, the design of an agriculture and fisheries complex, grant programmes, and training through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

“We’ve breathed some life into agriculture in recent times,” he said. “We are moving to break ground on the reservoir… We’ve allocated lands, we’re surveying those lands in Anegada and Virgin Gorda. So things are happening, but I would agree with you, it has been slow, and I’m not pleased about it.”

The Premier highlighted the urgency of accelerating agricultural development, given the volatility in the global economic landscape. He pointed to trade tensions between the United States, Canada, China, and Mexico, as well as ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, which could disrupt food supply chains and drive up prices.

“My exact message [at the recent Agriculture Fair] was to recognise the urgency of this moment,” he said. “We have tariffs and trade wars… food could get more expensive.”

To mitigate these risks, the government is pursuing strategic partnerships, including negotiations with the Dominican Republic to enhance food security.

“We should be travelling to the Dominican Republic soon to cement an agreement that will give us food security,” Premier Wheatley stated. “But we on the ground here have to do our part as well… We need all hands on deck.”

The Premier urged farmers, fishers, and government officials to align with the government’s vision, emphasising that now is the time to act decisively.