Shawn Richards

Shawn Kenneth Richards (born 8 December 1972) is a Kittitian politician from the People's Action Movement (PAM).^[2] He currently serves as a member of the National Assembly, and was formerly the party leader of PAM and Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Honourable Shawn Richards
Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis
In office 22 February 2015 – May 2022[1]
Prime Minister	Timothy Harris
Preceded by	Earl Asim Martin
Succeeded by	Eugene Hamilton
Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture
In office 22 February 2015 – 2022?
Prime Minister	Timothy Harris
Personal details
Born	Shawn Kenneth Richards (1972-12-08) 8 December 1972 (age 52)
Political party	People's Action Movement
Alma mater	Cleveland State University, University of the Virgin Islands

Political career

Richards was first elected as a member of the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis for the St Christopher #5 constituency in the 2010 election,^[3] and was re-elected at the 2015, 2020, and 2022 elections. In 2012, he became leader of PAM.

Richards was the Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis from 2015 until 2022, when he was fired by Timothy Harris upon the collapse of the Team Unity alliance.^[4] In 2024, he stepped down as leader of PAM, and was succeeded by Natasha Grey-Brookes.

Other activities

Richards completed his higher education in the United States at Cleveland State University and then the University of the Virgin Islands. He qualified as a Certified Public Accountant in 2002 and worked as an auditor in Saint Kitts and Nevis.^[2] He renounced his American citizenship in 2009 during the debate on the National Assembly Elections (Amendment) Bill, which barred dual citizens from standing for election.^[5]