BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LINDSAY FITZPATRICK GRANT has announced that he had tendered his resignation as Political Leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) with effect from Sunday, September 30, 2012, but would still be the party’s candidate for Constituency Number Four at the next general election.
Grant, who has been at the helm of the party since 2000, made the announcement this morning (July 17) during a press conference at the Ocean Terrace Inn.
The Harvard-graduate lawyer turned politician, told the media that following the January 25, 2010 General Election he had discussed with colleagues his intention of demitting that office.
“Today, after many months of reflection and discussions, I have tendered my resignation as the Political Leader of the People’s Action Movement effective as September 30, 2012.
“I want to thank the Almighty God for first of all giving me the courage and the strength and the fortitude to fight from the opposition the tyranny of an oppressive regime. To The Right Honourable Dr. Kennedy Simmonds for believing in me to fill his very large shoes; to my Executive, who have been a source of strength; to my wife, without whose support I would not have made it thus far; to my family, who has borne the brunt of attacks because I have dared to step out of my comfort zone; to my supporters, whose support has been unwavering; and to my friends, who had stood behind me in support,” Grant said.
In a message to his supporters in Constituency Four, Grant said that he want to make it clear that the fight continues to the next general election “so that I will be there as your representative in Parliament”.
The outgoing Political Leader declared that he would remain very grateful to the supporters, members and friends of the PAM.
In his message to his party’s supporters, Grant said that there is much work to be done in his party’s quest in establishing democratic values and solutions to issues being faced by the Federation.
“My message to you now is simply this…we renew our strength and we continue to strive towards change. There is much work to be done as we continue to strive to establish democratic values and solutions to the issues facing our dear beloved Federation. I am confident, however, that we have able-bodied men and women to continue the struggle and to continue the fight. I have given my commitment to do everything in my power to ensure that the new political leader, who will be elected shortly, is well prepared and that the transition is seamless to allow the business of the party to continue smoothly.”
When asked by the media what had influenced his decision, why it is being done at this time and not before, and if the alleged Marriott scandal had anything to do with it, Grant said no one had requested his resignation and that the decision was based on his own circumstances as well as in the interest of the party.
“You will appreciate that a decision such as this is not a decision that was made overnight; it is a decision that takes a lot of thoughts, a lot of soul-searching to arrive at it. And, so in my case, I felt that this time is the most appropriate time to make my exit. I must say at this point in time that no one has asked me to leave. I have made that decision on my own and based on my own circumstances. I would say to you that the Marriott issue has absolutely nothing to do with my decision to move and step aside. I do it in the best interest of the political party that I have the honour to lead, the People’s Action Movement, and the country at large.”
In response to a question concerning his recent decision against the backdrop of the perceived weakness of the PAM and the absence of five candidates, Grant indicated that there would be naysayers and that the party has grown in strength since 1995.
“I leave that for the people to judge. There are going to be many naysayers…we all have an opinion to make, an opinion to give. As far as I am concerned, our party, coming out of the 2010 election, has been at its strongest since 1995 when we look at the numbers.
“It is true that we have a vacancy in five candidates, but you must appreciate that the process continues to the selection of those candidates. We have candidates who have shown interest but, obviously again, there is a process that one has to go through to arrive at a candidate for any of the constituencies.
And that process continues…it is ongoing and it is not going to stop. My demitting office does not halt any of the processes that are currently being done, and that is why we are saying it is going to be a seamless transition into the next political leader.”
Grant also explained to the media that the resignation and selection of political leaders are governed by his party’s constitution.
“Our party has a constitution and by the constitution it gives 90 days, in some instances, for the outward selection of a new political leader. There has to be a special convention held and a number of other processes that are required before the selection of the new political leader. My term would have ended in April of next year, so I in fact had several more months before the next round of caucuses to select a leader. But I felt, as I have said, I am always putting the interest of the party ahead of my own personal interest, and I felt that at this critical juncture it was important for a new political leader to come in even prior to April to ensure that whatever stamp of approval is required, bearing in mind that we are two and a half years into an election cycle, that it was either that it be done now in the best interest of the party or never.”
When asked what he would like to be remembered for as the Political Leader of PAM, Grant said that he wants people to remember him for “my honesty, my perseverance and my commitment to the party and to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. I can say that there are many naysayers out there who delight in bringing you down, delight in smearing your name and your character. And one thing I believe in is my character and that has been severely bruised unfairly”.
