BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE main opposition party in St. Kitts, the People's Action Movement (PAM), has declared its readiness for political battle against the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, which has been in government over the past 17 years.
With rumours circulating that general elections may be close, and PAM still in the wind about who would be filling the empty seats in a number of constituencies, persons have been questioning the party’s readiness to contest and its ability to win.
Speaking with PAM’s Leader Hon. Shawn K. Richards, he has assured that his party is fully equipped to take on a general election, noting that it has persons to run in all constituencies.
“If a snap election is called, PAM will be more than ready to contest that election. While we haven't announced any candidates, it is not that we don't have persons who are potential candidates. It just means that almost immediately we will have to put those candidates in place.”
Richards said that despite not having active candidates and/or representatives in some of the constituencies, “we have been doing work in all of the constituencies, never mind the fact that we may not have been representatives for some of these constituencies”, which he voiced is important.
When asked about reinstating the party's former candidates, Richards said that only one individual has expressed their interest in running for the PAM again.
"Junie 'Scrape' Hodge has said publicly that if the people of Constituency Number Six so desire for him to be their candidate once more, he is willing to take up that task. In regards to the three persons, I can definitely say that none of those in the Basseterre area who would have ran in East, Central and West Basseterre would be coming back as candidates in any of those three constituencies."
With regards to the former candidates conveying their interest now, Richards said that the party has already passed that stage in the process of electing a candidate.
He however stated that, if interested, they are welcomed to become actively involved in the cause of and support the party.
The PAM Leader also stated that there are persons other than the former candidates are being considered for the part.
"Since their departure, we have had other persons who have come forward and convey their interest and we are likewise interested in these candidates. Those are the persons who are currently under consideration."
Richards expressed his confidence in the candidates his party is considering, stating that he is of the view that they would not only make good contenders but also win their seats.
"I am very confident of the ability of these persons to be successful in an election here in St. Kitts."
Richards said his party is fully equipped and ready to take on a general election, be it near or far, and he is also confident in the party's ability to form the next government.
