BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Federation continues to make its mark internationally, as national Kenrick Clifton recently won a stunning political victory and became the District 1 councilman of Randolph, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston.
The accomplished Sandy Pointer served as an attorney and spent nearly 13 years as a Permanent Secretary in the federal government. Clifton set up permanent resident in the US in 2001, and served a brief stint as an Adjunct Professor of Constitutional Law and Government at Quincy College.
Having lived, worked and studied in a number of continents, Clifton was able to make a significant impression on the ethnically-diverse community of Randolph, which is home to just over 50 000 people.
Leading up to the September 15 Elections, Clifton spread his message under the theme ‘Change Randolph for the Better’, and advocated for fiscal responsibility and stimulating business.
His platform also advocated for safer communities, reaching out to senior citizens and the youth, improving schools and making the town environmentally-friendly.
In a television interview aired last week, Clifton thanked his wife, Karen, and two sons Brandon, 11, and Kyle, 8, whom he said were his “initial campaign staff”. He also thanked his immediate and extended families, and paid special tribute to his campaign staff and all of his supporters.
While dedicating his success to the memory of his younger brother, Gary Edwards CPA, who passed away one year ago, Clifton noted that his victory was also due to his upbringing in Sandy Point under the tutelage of his family, teachers and community elders.
“I am a product of my environment. I have seen families struggle and persevere. Today, I can still hear the voices of some of my former teachers like Hudson Ross, Marilyn Maynard, His Lordship Hugh Rawlings, Eugene Petty, Lionel Benjamin, Mrs. Farier, H.E. James Williams and many others inspiring me and challenging me to be the best that I could be.
“At an early age I learned that the true test of character is the ability to overcome setbacks. I was also taught to remain dignified even in the face of adversity,” he noted in a press release issued last week.
Clifton told the press that he was heavily influenced by the elegance and eloquence of the Federation’s first Premier, The Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, the articulation of H.E. William Herbert and the grace and graciousness of former Prime Minister The Right Hon. Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds.
He said, “I merely used what I learned in St. Kitts, adjusted those ideals to the existing circumstances in Randolph, and took advantage of technology and the Internet to propel my campaign.”
“I hope,” he continued, “being elected to this high office would also allow the opportunity to help foster beneficial relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and the greater Boston area, which hosts the best educational and health institutions in America.”
The proud mother of Clifton, Mildred Lake, told SKNVibes that her son was very active in various organizations and grew to be a respected member of society. She said she is very grateful to God that her son was able to win the district council elections, a feat she deems enormous.
“He was always very well-behaved and very helpful to others. Education was a priority for him. Since he was small, it was one of his goals to go into politics. So, I am thankful to God that he [Clifton] was able to overcome the challenges and achieve his dream,” she noted.
Going forward, Clifton intends to channel his ability, promise and potential from his recent victory to advance the development of Randolph and to continue making his country and his hometown proud.
