BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Deputy Chairman of the People’s Action Movement (PAM), Jonel Powell, has announced his interest in running for his Party.
The news was first broken by Winn FM, who reported Powell confirmed his desire to stand as a candidate for PAM in Constituency Two.
Powell told SKNVibes that he has written a letter to the candidate’s Selection Committee for Constituency two indicating his interest in being the candidate in the upcoming elections on Wednesday, Oct. 24.
Several months ago in July, after the announcement of the resignation of Lindsay Grant, Leader of PAM, rumours circulated that Powell was next in line.
However, Powell denied that he was interested in running for leadership of the Party and said that he was focused on assisting the Party in a different way.
“I see myself as contributing much more to the Party in other ways; I am certainly not looking to put myself in that position.”
The article continued that Powell did not entirely rule out the idea of being more than just Deputy Chairperson of the Party and noted that later down the road he could see himself as a possible candidate for a constituency.
“You never know what could happen later down in the lines. Right now that is not my focus…my focus is ensuring that the Party selects a leader. All the members are in agreement with and ensure they are properly prepared to move forward and contest the next election.”
Later down the line or three months later, he said that he has been looking at the situation in St. Kitts and Nevis and thought that something needs to be done.
“Somebody had to do something about the problems we face in this country and I think I’m in a position to assist in bringing about a positive change in the country,” he said.
Many knew it would not have been long before the young lawyer threw his hat in the political ring, being the nephew of one of the founders of PAM, William Herbert.
“I have the time to dedicate to really doing the work that needs to be done and to win the seat for PAM. I think I have sufficient training, and although I may be young, I have been involved in politics my entire life. I’ve been involved in the executive level of the Party for a longer period than some of the mature members of the executive right now so it’s not something that’s new to me,” the 29-year-old said.
His decision resulted in a number of discussions with various persons and from prayer.
“I spoke to and consulted with a number of different persons, obviously my parents, and my extended family, former leaders of PAM, persons on the ground in and outside of Constituency 2 and just a wide cross section of persons.
“I must admit as well, over the past couple of months in particular, a number of persons have indicated their wish to see me run, a number of persons have come up to me on the streets and have shared similar sentiments that they think I’m a good person for the job. As flattering as that is I obviously did my own consultation and lots of prayers were involved as well,” Powell said.
Since submitting his letter to the Selections Committee, they will look at all prospective candidates or persons who have shown interest.
“They will do their own process and make recommendations to the national executive who will in turn make the sole recommendation to the political leader for final decision. The ultimate decision will be made by the leader,” he said.
The University of the West Indies-graduate lawyer has been actively involved in politics since age 18 and had acted as the Party’s Chairperson for Constituency Two back in those days.
After gaining his Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, Powell has since partnered with Grant in the law firm ‘Grant, Powell & Company’.
