By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday, 14th August 2024) – National Disaster Coordinator Abdias Samuel has dismissed circulating social media reports alleging that he has been victimized by the government and sent on vacation.
Samuel addressed the “unwelcomed attention” and “distraction” on Tuesday, 13th August 2024, during an appearance on Freedom FM when quizzed about the topic by host interviewer Juni ‘Big JL’ Liburd, pushing away such spotlight made about him. He was joined in the studio by Senior Meteorological Officer of the St.
Kitts Met Office, Elmo Burke with discussion taking place just hours ahead of the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto. “Let me make it abundantly clear… I was not forced to resign… I was not victimized in any way shape or form so I don’t want to elaborate too much on this because it’s just distraction.” Samuel shared that no pressure or victimization is involved.
“I do apologize to the general public for this distraction. I do apologize to my regional and international partners because I’ve been receiving significant calls [and] significant messages from a lot of regional and international partners thinking that I am being victimized.
I said no. I was the one who tendered my resignation due to the fact that there is a particular policy in government that when you do 24 and 11 years, there is a maximum benefit that you can achieve.” According to him: “…as of Monday, I am on vacation and I offered my services.
I said, listen, I’m in country and if you need my expertise, I’m willing and available to provide support. This is my patriotic speaking. I’m not going to be in St. Kitts and not provide support to the agency, to the government, to the people in particular.” He added: “I chose to take that particular route.
I chose it. Regrettably, it came at a time where, well, I had no choice because the timing coincided with the hurricane season. So, Juni, that’s the whole situation. My offer of volunteerism was accepted. I am still the National Disaster Coordinator
