BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AT the close of the nomination process for candidates for the political leadership of the People’s Action Movement (PAM), the list of nominees totalled only two - Honourables Eugene Hamilton and Shawn Richards.
Both men – the only of the party to win their seats during the 2010 General Elections – were nominated today (Aug. 23) to vie for captainship of the PAM.
Hamilton – Member of Parliament representing Constituency Number Eight and was nominated by Dave Saunders and Eustace Maynard while Richards – Member of Parliament representing Constituency Number Five - was nominated by Wallis Wilkin and Claudius ‘Hardis’ Gumbs.
Chairman of the party Selwyn ‘Rusty’ Liburd told this publication that following nomination, it was found that both men had met the criteria for both membership of the party and leadership candidacy and their names have been forwarded for election.
Talks of finding a replacement for outgoing Leader of the party Lindsay F. Grant began following his announcement on July 17, 2012 that he would be vacating the position come September 30, 2012.
SKNVibes spoke with both Richards and Hamilton following their nomination and each has expressed that this is a step towards in the direction of becoming the political leader of the country.
Both are expected to prepare themselves to make preparations before a September 23, 2012 Special Delegates Convention (caucus) following which a leader would be elected.
The winner would not be announced then but rather following a Special Convention slated for September 30, 2012.
Who will be the next leader of the People’s Action Movement? Though some have already expressed their preference, the leader would not be known until after the 126-plus votes would have been cast and decision ratified via convention.
Both men have expressed their confidence to this publication that they have what it takes to lead the party and, by extension, the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis.
