BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- THE People’s Action Movement (PAM) has replaced Ian ‘Patches’ Liburd with a female, Natasha Grey, as its candidate for Constituency Number One.
The replacement is not the only political strategy that the party has embarked upon, but it is also seeking to strengthen its political base within St. Kitts and, in the process, increase its visibility by adding to the number of seats it currently has within Parliament and the coalition construct.
Since joining the coalition back in 2014, PAM has come in for heavy criticisms from many quarters, including political parties, supporters and members of the party.
PAM is now on the move to consolidate and increase its influence, as it has begun looking towards the 2025 General Elections with the possibility of sweeping all eight seats on St. Kitts.
In order to do so, this morning (OCT. 18) the party announced to the media that prominent Attorney-at-Law Natasha Grey would be replacing Ambassador Ian 'Patches' Liburd as its candidate for Constituency Number 1, East Basseterre.
It had been rumoured for several months that the attorney would be the replacement for Liburd, who suffered a defeat at the polls in 2020 to the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party's Geoffery Hanley.
During today’s media conference, Grey accepted the position following a long process that included screening of a number of other candidates to fill the post.
PAM’s Leader Shawn Richards noted that his party has a joint responsibility that it provides prosperity for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, and in order for that to be done it must be able to expand on representation in the government.
The largest of the three blocs in the coalition, PAM holds four seats in the Government and the National Assembly.
“However, for us to deliver on that commitment, we must maintain and expand on our representation in the National Assembly. Politics is about representation! It is about representing the will of the people and fighting their causes for the most ideal legislation, policies, programmes and social benefits,” added Richards.
In congratulating the newly-appointed candidate, Richards reminded that the party is continuing to strengthen its organs at the constituency level.
“We, therefore, are preparing now, are preparing to increase our numbers after the next poll in 2025,” noted Richards.
It is with that in mind that Grey was disclosed as the successful candidate that will come up against Hanley in 2025.
The Attorney-at-Law articulated that she is a people’s person who is not afraid to take on any task or challenge and would work hard for what she believes.
Grey outlined that she would seek to, among other things, fight the rising problem of crime and unemployment of the people within the Newtown area.
The Deputy Leaders of the PAM, Eugene Hamilton, and Lindsay Grant also provided encouragement for Grey as she embarks on the challenges of politics ahead.
In responding to an SKNVibes question surrounding Grey’s selection and whether former representative, Liburd, who publicly voiced his displeasure over his ousting, had any input in the selection, to which Richards responded in the negative.
He pointed out that the process was done in accordance with the Constitution and no former candidate or minister had a say in the matter.
