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| Robelto Hector |
Mr. Robelto Hector is the declared NRP candidate for the St Paul's Constituency in the July 10 local elections. He is a lawyer by profession but also spent many years as an Extension Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture. Ron Daniel sat down with this humble candidate to discuss his reason for entry into politics, what the people of St Paul's can expect if he is elected, why one should elect him and how his life in politics has been so far.
Q:- You have made a bold step by throwing you hat into the political ring. Why did you choose to enter politics?
A:- I love the people of Nevis and I love Charlestown. My entry into politics is simply centered on love.
Q:-When did you decide that you wanted to enter representative politics and why did you choose to side with the Nevis Reformation Party?
A:- I have lived all my life knowing that one day, I would step forward. As for joining the NRP, I cannot be like others seeking to destroy the very foundation of what NRP is built on and what NRP has done for Nevis. It is a very rich history and one that I couldn't ignore in making my decision. I feel at home with the good people of the Nevis Reformation Party. I would have it no other way and if I were to live my life over I would do it again.
Q:- You present an interesting mix because you have spent many years in the Ministry of Agriculture but now you are a lawyer by profession. I guess it can be said you know how to reap and how to represent. Do you believe that the people of St Paul have a better candidate because of the mix?
A:- Well Ron I also taught at Prospect Primary School and Gingerland Secondary School. I was also the President of a Professional Club and an avid debater here and at UWI where we went to world debates. Yes I think that I am better and the people of St. Paul's have a better representative because of the mix. My involvement in different professions and various spheres of life have enabled me to be more well rounded and have also helped me to meet different people and understand life from different points of view. I love meeting people so from teaching, to agriculture, to law have enabled me to engage many people and form lasting relationships with many people.
Q:- You were very involved in Agriculture for many years. If elected you may be called upon to be involved in it again. What would you like to see done for Agriculture?
A:- I would like to see Agriculture looked at as a serious business. It must provide an improvement in the standard of lives for farmers. I want it to be a market driven sector and I would want to see a genuine and almost umbilical link formed between Agriculture and Tourism. I want to resume training of personnel and make a great attempt to feed Nevis.
Q:- This is the first time that you are running for political office. I have seen you making the rounds and doing house to house campaigning dating back to early last year. How has the response been from the people of St. Paul's to your candidacy as you meet with them and speak with them?
A:- Well there has been overwhelming support particularly among the young people and non-nationals who feel that they have had little attention paid to them by the CCM Government. All of my former classmates have been more than supportive and I have not had one negative comment from them, which is really very assuring. My friends also have given me words of advice and encouragement.
Q:-As opposed to other politicians you are seen as a man in and amongst the people at all times. One young man told me that could not believe you were the Robelto Hector, because he said he saw you liming with the guys all the time but could not believe that you were indeed a politician. How important is mixing with the people so much so that you are actually camouflaged with the people?
A:-I love serving people. I do not feel that I am better than people. I like engaging people. I am no different to these people as I am one of the people. Me liming with the boys happens all the times. A lot of these guys are really my friends so we get along well. It is pretty natural actually.
Q:- Your opponent, the Honourable Michael Perkins has been criticized for losing touch with the people so much so that his former campaign manager is now campaigning against him. Minister Perkins has also gone on air saying that he wanted to have nothing to do with some of his constituents. What do you make of his public statement?
A:-They are statements he would soon regret. In politics you should expect that people would have different views and opinions. You should seek to win them over rather than further divide the people of Charlestown along party lines. Charlestown is presently divided. I will endeavour to change that.
~~Adz:Right~~Q:-You are coming up against an incumbent in the Honourable Michael Perkins. Could you justify to the constituents of St Paul why one should vote for you as opposed to Minister Perkins?
A:- I love the people of Charlestown. Had Mr. Perkins loved the people of Charlestown there would be water in Hamilton on Christmas day, the cost of living would be down, land would be more affordable to the people of Charlestown, work permits would be cheaper, he would have stood up and spoken out and say that the 80 acre deal was wrong, the people would not be living in fear of victimization. When there is love, it forces you to act in the best interests of your people. There is also no plan for Charlestown. Presently things are just done willy nilly with no planning. The roads in Stoney Grove are dug up around election giving the people the impression that all will be done before the elections are over. People are now being spoken to who he never would speak to before. You do not treat people who you love like that.
Q:-People have been calling you "Humble Hector". Does this have anything to do with your upbringing? For the people who do not know you so well can you briefly chronicle your life as to where you came from to now?
A:- I grew up in humble circumstances. I have always believed that when one comes from humble beginnings it is almost like first nature to be humble. I believe in living a humble life and not acting as if I am better than anyone else for any reason. We are all made from dirt and we will all return to the dirt someday. To act all pompous and almighty will get you nowhere.
Q:-Can you briefly outline some of the specific things that you would implement in St. Paul's if elected?
A:- I would definitely want to transform Gallows Bay. Gallows Bay provides easy access to all and is one of the best swimming areas in Nevis. We would seek to develop Gallows Bay as a primary sea bathing area by providing a people friendly environment. We will have entertainment stands, barbeque areas, proper bathroom facilities and recreational areas. Additionally, we will also erect a monument to the past history of Gallows Bay. Additionally there is an urgent need for a Drag Racing Facility here in Nevis to regularize drag racing into a sport that would both engage the young men who are so inclined and provide another avenue of economic development for the people of Nevis. I also want to see the establishment of a Nevis Men Coalition and a Young Boys Mentorship Club. I want to ensure that roads with proper drains are put in to alleviate the severe drainage problem that we are currently experiencing. I would also want to implement an Environmental program that ensures sustainable development.
Q:-How has the experience of the election campaign been so far? How have you been able to juggle being a politician, father and lawyer?
A:-It has been difficult at times because each demands so much of you. However politics is in pursuit of a higher calling to serve so I manage to find time to campaign and meet with people to hear their views on how they think I as their servant can aid them in the dream of a Better Nevis.
Q:- Government and governance mean many things to many different people. What does government and governance mean to you
A:- Government to me speaks to the empowerment of a people, better standard of living for those who elected you and not the other way around. It speaks to serving people and at times sacrificing your personal opinion or persuasion for the good of the majority of the people. Government also speaks to credibility, accountability, transparency and representation.
Q:-If you were to use three words to describe Robelto Hector, what would they be and why?
A:-Ron to be honest, I would use four. "I love my country".
Q:- Is there anyone you would like to thank and anything else that you would like to say before we end this interview?
A:-. I would like to thank my teachers from the early stages right up. I would also like to thank my classmates and my family for their strong support. I would like to thank My Pastor, Eric Maynard for his guidance over the years and all the well wishers and supporters of the Nevis Reformation Party who have always lifted my spirits by engaging them. I love them all.
