BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DESPITE suffering tremendous humiliation after being fired from the People’s Action Movement (PAM) government in the early 1990s, former Deputy Prime Minister Michael O. Powell is taking to the political platform in endorsement of the PAM and has explained his reasons for doing so.
Over the past number of days, news has circulated that the former Deputy Leader of the PAM would be making an appearance on that party’s political platform.
SKNVibes interviewed Powell on Wednesday evening (Jun. 19) with the view that he would address a couple of questions which have undoubtedly crossed the minds of many across the Federation and further afield.
Asked why he has taken the decision to return to PAM’s platform, albeit not as a candidate, Powell explained that he is a founding member of the party and he has observed that the Federation is in a state of distress and in need of urgent help.
PAM was started out of obvious need
He recollected that in 1964 when the Bradshaw-led Administration wanted to introduce a surcharge on electricity, he decided that he would lead a protest against that action. He said he took to the streets for three hours the day before announcing the protest which was to have begun at Warner Park from 3:00 p.m.
The hours leading up to the event were gruelling – Powell explained – with him not being able to eat or sleep for fear that it would not turn out the way he had hoped. And on December 20, 1964 he arrived at Warner Park some three hours early with only two others – Dr. William Herbert and Collin Pereira – joining him just minutes before the scheduled start.
Somewhat discouraged, Powell said the protest was almost cancelled. But he headed out of Warner Park with two placards in hand, and when Herbert and Pereira saw what he was doing, they made it a three-man protest.
Powell said the march snowballed and gained great momentum. And by the time they were approaching Government House, the crowd had been estimated by journalists to be about 7 000.
“It is out of that movement that the People’s Action Movement was formed,” he said.
Powell returns to political platform out of obvious need
Questioned about why he decided to return to the PAM political platform, especially after suffering humiliation having been fired from the office of Deputy Prime Minister in 1992 by then Prime Minister and Leader of PAM Sir Kennedy Simmonds, Powell said it is in the interest of the greater good.
“I am bigger than that. I recognise that it is not about me and it is not about Simmonds; it is not even about PAM or Labour. It is about the country and putting country above self. I have two young daughters…one says she wants to be a doctor and the other wants to be a lawyer. It is about them, their future, not me!
“Look what is happening! By the end of this month there are about 2 000 young people coming onto the labour market. Where are the jobs coming from? Do you see anything to smile about? This is what I am speaking about...it is not about me! My feelings are of no moment at this particular time, the country is bigger than me.”
Powell made his promised appearance last evening at PAM’s meeting in Taylor’s Village.
