The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is today mourning the loss of a true patriot and distinguished son of the soil in Elvis Newton, who passed away earlier today from cancer. Mr Newton had a long and professional career in the public service starting as a teacher and ending as the head of the civil service.
A veteran of over 30 years in the Civil Service, Newton’s career path began as an educator at the then Newtown Primary School (Tucker Clarke Primary) before moving to the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. And following his tenure there, he was then employed at the Ministry of Health where he worked as a Health Planner. The Bird Rock resident was subsequently appointed Permanent Secretary (PS) of Environment.
He then went on to serve as PS in the Ministries of Health; Community and Social Development; and now in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Labour, Immigration and Social Security.
On Facebook and during the ISSUES programme on Freedom Fm on Tuesday 18 August, many relatives, friends and colleagues called in to pay tribute to this outstanding citizen of SKN.
The former PM, Dr Denzil Douglas was the final caller. In a sad, obviously grieving voice, Dr, Douglas recalled the sterling service made by Elvis Newton ,particularly as a public servant. He recalled how Mr Newton had risen to the top of the Civil Service by his superb human and exemplary qualities, professionalism and love of country.
Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris in a statement released by SKNIS on Tuesday said, “It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing (this morning) of Mr. Elvis Newton, Head of the Public Service in the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Mr. Newton had been ailing for a while and recently travelled overseas for additional medical care. On behalf of the government and people of this country I offer condolences to his wife Ermel, his daughter Ngala, his son Khafre and the rest of his family, co-workers in the public service and his many friends.”
Also paying tributes to Mr Newton were former Deputy PM Sam Condor and Chief Medical Officer Dr Patrick Martin
Newton set out to transform and modernize the public service sector, to make it more professional and responsive to the growing needs of the society.
Elvis Newton will be dearly missed by the federation, as a teacher, mentor, friend, parent, and public servant. Freedom Fm salutes this great man who cared and shared his vision for a better St. Kitts-Nevis. We extend sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace.