Confidence lost, opposition leader to be replaced

BRADES (CMC):

A new leader of the opposition is set to take over in this British Overseas Territory later this month.

First-time legislator Victor James, an independent, was given the nod of confidence by his two other Opposition colleagues after the 2009 general election.

However, that confidence has evaporated within two years and James will be replaced by Donaldson Romeo, another first-term independent lawmaker.

James has often supported the government and has, on several occasions, not seen eye-to-eye with Romeo and former chief minister Dr Lowell Lewis, who triggered the Opposition shake-up.

In a letter to James, Lewis pointed to several proposed constitutional changes that should be championed by the Opposition.

"It is my opinion that you will not support this effort," he wrote.

"On the other hand, the Honourable Donaldson Romeo shares with me the conviction and commitment to act on this issue, and he has agreed to accept my nomination for him to serve as leader of the opposition."

Outgoing leader Commended

The former chief minister went on to thank James for serving over the past 24 months and commended him "for the tolerance you demonstrated for our differences of opinion".

The ruling Movement for Change and Prosperity, which won six seats and formed the government, was the only party elected to parliament following the September 2009 poll. The three independent candidates formed the Opposition.

Romeo is expected to take over as leader of the opposition later this month at the inaugural sitting of the Legislative Assembly, which replaces the Legislative Council as part of new constitutional arrangements that take effect on September 26.