|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The crowd of green braved the heavy showers, the crack of thunder and the frightening streaks of lightening and flocked to the NRP Town Hall Meeting on Thursday 10th November at the Pinney's Beach Club to listen to NRP's new young, humble candidate for the constituency of St Paul's, Mr. E Robelto Hector. There was standing room only and the crowd filled even the verandah on the outside of the building and to hear the vision of the young man, and Robelto "Cutie" Hector didn't let them down.
Hector opened his stimulating speech by saying that he was both honoured and humbled to be the candidate for St Paul's and to be a part of the process in leading Nevis into a new era of its development. He was also careful to thank his parents and grandparents who he said instilled in him the "sound values of forgiveness, compassion and caring for others". Hector also recorded his thanks for his teachers, pastors, Sunday School Teachers and elders in the community who all played a role in molding him into the person that he is today.
Hector went on to speak of some of the issues that affect St Paul's. He made mention of the bulk tanks that were close to Gallows Bay and caused a potential serious threat to the ocean in case there was a spill as well as the capital if there was an explosion. He also spoke of Government only building roads in places where they got strong political support and how government were selling lands at prices way above the reach of the average man. This he stressed did not allow fairness and opportunities for all. Hector also questioned whether or not the CCM had been fair and whether CCM had given opportunities to people regardless of their party colour. He went on to speak of the image of Charlestown noting how CCM had left Gallows Bay deserted and had not sought to develop it, the state of disrepair or urinals in the public market and the Charlestown Port as well as the non-development of Grove Park and the non-operational fountain at the DR Walwyn Plaza in Charlestown that often gives off a foul stench.
Hector pledged to change all this and went on to outline some of his plans and programs for the re-development of Charlestown and a Nevis that truly provided fairness and opportunities for all. He spoke of the importance of transparency and accountability, the proper marketing of the port facilities in Charlestown to attract more cruise ships, the development of Gallows Bay to include entertainment stands, barbecue areas, proper bathrooms and recreational areas while promoting Gallows Bay as a primary sea bathing area, the development of historic Fort Charles to enhance the tourism product and rich cultural history, the redevelopment of Grove Park and finding a permanent home for football, the repair of roads in the upper and lower Stoney Grove, Government Road, Hamilton, Craddock Road and Ramsbury, the development of Bucco Park, free uniforms and schoolbooks to primary school children, the transformation of a new CSS where it would be more functional for the educational demands of 2005, the construction of an auditorium and cafeteria for Charlestown Primary School and the building of Charlestown's first Community Center.
Hector also made the point that he unlike the present representative intends to be approachable and cordial to everyone despite their political affiliation. He made the point that we are all different and would have different political opinions but that was no reason not to speak with each other or to say that Nevis people "grudge" like the present representative. He said that in order for there to be fairness and opportunity for all we needed to reach out, speak to and care for all no matter what their political persuasion would be. Hector vowed that his leadership style would be consultative as opposed to confrontational like the present representative and pledged never to lose touch with the people or lose him humility simply because he got into office.
Hector's eloquent and well thought out presentation was constantly interrupted by loud roars of applause but none more so than the long standing ovation and the chants of "Cutie" (Hector's childhood nickname) when his presentation was finished. The crown seemed to be clinging on his every word and there were many broad smiles and approving nods throughout. People asked a variety of questions to different candidates about their plans and many (including one notable CCM member) publicly complimented Hector on his maiden presentation. Comments were also aired about the present minister's arrogant and aloof nature with two Charlestown constituents saying that the present minister had not even said hello to them since he got into office five years ago. The meeting ended with a replay of King Dis and Dat's winning tune "When you time come e come". People stayed back more than an hour after the meeting, laughing with hugging and complimenting Robelto Hector. All attending agreed that CCM's time had truly come and it was time for a change. The full text of the speech is available on the NRP's website www.votenrp.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
