BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LINDSAY GRANT, long-time leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM), said he was undisturbed by potential threats to his leadership and expressed confidence in retaining the position.
He also refuted claims that PAM executive members were unhappy with his leadership, dismissing them as being “absolutely incorrect”.
“[Threats] don’t trouble me. Once you’re in a party and you’re in the leadership position, persons will want to vie for it. That’s understandable.
“There was no heated argument over the leadership issue. My position will become vacant, but I intend to run again. As always, I’ll adhere to the dictates of the rank-and-file, but I’m confident I will be unopposed.”
Rumours swirled last week that five high-ranking PAM members had met with Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas and were consequently ejected from the party by Grant.
Glenroy Blanchette (Constituency One candidate) and Ronald Williams (Constituency Seven candidate) denied meeting with the Prime Minister and expressed concern at the postponement of the party’s annual convention.
However, Grant insisted that the convention had never been postponed, and contradicted Blanchette’s contention that it was of “some concern” to the general membership.
“It’s not a major issue. We have not set a date yet because the executive thought it prudent to have the other executives in the eight constituencies reorganised before we had the national caucus.
“The rank-and-file understand that. The scheduling of the caucus and convention is an executive decision...I don’t know if [Blanchette] has some inclination to run against me, but I am not threatened at all by that,” he explained.
Meanwhile, earlier this week on his “Ask the PM” radio show, Prime Minister Douglas confirmed that no meeting between him and PAM representatives had occurred.
He was however open to the idea of such an appointment, saying that he “welcomed the opportunity” to discuss their issues of concern.
