July 16th, 2013 -- On Sunday, July 14, 2013, the youth arm of the People's Action Movement offered an impressive glimpse of what the future of the party looks like.
In a bold declaration of the party's thrust for Unity, two term parliamentarian and current party leader of the PAM, along with the budding Jonel Powell, the party's political candidate for constituency number 2, stood as brilliant ambassadors for the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis as they presented with authority and confidence their perspective and vision for the development of the independent nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Following the renditions of the national anthems of the USA and the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Irving Sweeney offered opening remarks before turning the spotlight briefly on Mr. Eugene Francis who invoked God's blessings on the evening's proceedings.
Bernardo Phipps introduced the young and charismatic Jonel Powell who greeted the audience with his familiar "family" salutation.
Powell informed the very receptive audience that the assembling of Kittitians and Nevisians at a PAM town hall style meeting, irrespective of their various political persuasions, is a testimony to the concerns of all citizens as it relates to the happenings in the federation. "You are here together not just because of PAM or LABOUR, but because of the direction in which you want the country to go," he remarked.
Powell stated that the PAM made an informed decision to be part of a Unity construct, which includes former Labour parliamentarians, now PLP candidates, Dr. Harris and Sam Condor, along with the CCM parliamentarians Vance Amory and Mark Brantley. Powell insists that the objective in this unprecedented alliance is to deliver a "People’s Government" and not just a PAM government.
Jonel stated that he offered himself as a candidate because he has a passion for people and he believes his country is much bigger than his party. He also feels he can contribute significantly to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Jonel spoke on the issue of maligning former candidates of the Labour government by issuing a strong condemnation of any reference to the former candidates of the Labour administration as "traitors". He stated emphatically that making a choice to step away from wrong does not define a traitor. He applauded the decision of both Dr. Harris and Sam Condor.
Powell admits that things aren't a bed of roses in St. Kitts. He revealed that several of his constituents still use stand pipes to brush their teeth and depend on lamps in order to light their homes at night. He stated that although he lives comfortably, there are many who aren't living comfortable lives.
With regard to the SIDF, Powell reminded all in attendance that the fund cannot pay for everything and with the money currently being used as a slush fund of the Prime Minister, he believes more corrupt practices exist as it relates to the fund. Programs such as the PEP are designed to help young people determine areas of opportunity through which they can acquire or hone their skills. However, Powell deems these programs futile if they are only designed to provide short term satisfaction for anxious young people eager for long-term employment.
Powell believes nationals abroad have a tremendous role to play in the development of the federation. By contributing to the national debate in an objective manner, Powell views the overseas national as an integral part of the way forward. He reminded his fellow nationals that they too have a stake in the direction of the federation.
"Teaching a man to fish rather than giving him a fish" is a principle by which Jonel believes our leaders should live with a view to empower our people rather than have them rely on handouts which, to his mind, is a prevalent pattern of the current Denzil Douglas lead administration.
Powell appealed for financial and moral support from citizens in all parts of the world as the mission in St. Kitts and Nevis warrants the support of every citizen.
Finally, Jonel thanked the members of the audience for the opportunity to speak to them and reassured all in attendance that he will do his utmost best to promote a better St. Kitts and Nevis which he believes can rise once again to the heights it was renowned for under the astute leadership of Dr. The Right Honourable Sir Kennedy A. Simmonds.
PAM's Political Leader, the Honourable Shawn Richards rose to the occasion on Sunday evening. Following a brief introduction by Miss Sharon Richards, the seasoned political leader commended all in attendance and expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity to meet with nationals in the Diaspora.
He spoke to the exciting accomplishments of young Kittitian and Nevisian athletes throughout the world. He highly acknowledged Kim Collins, who at age 37 recently ran an impressive 9.99 seconds in the 100 meters, the fastest he has run in recent times.
Richards also applauded Antoine Adams for his spectacular performances abroad particularly his gold medal in the 200 meters at the CAC games as well as Crystal Liburd, the only Caribbean athlete to excel in long jump.
The young leader also took the opportunity to commend the Under 23 Netball team which placed second in the recently held under 23 Netball Tournament in Antigua. He hailed all the athletes as sports ambassadors for our blossoming federation.
Despite the positive accomplishments of the federation's young people, the Honourable gentleman spoke to the blatant injustices at home. Richards claimed the police now seems to be openly involved in the politically charged state of affairs, creating doubt in the minds of many.
He informed that telephones of opposition members have been bugged and police officers are following opposition members. However, according to the proud parliamentarian, no matter the intimidation or the threat, the PAM will not allow the dictatorial rule of a Denzil Douglas government to cower them.
He spoke to the fact that the government is now seeking to justify boundary changes. The PAM leader ran down each of the proposed changes for the constituencies. Mr. Richards stated that the opposition intends to challenge these changes using every legal measure available.
The strong message he imparted to those in attendance is that under the Denzil Douglas lead administration the country is heading in the wrong direction.
Richards claimed that austerity measures imposed on the federation by the IMF has more to do with the poor fiscal measures of the current Labour Government than the global economic crisis that has touched all nations worldwide.
Richards highlighted the millions spent on White Gate, no return on Kittitian Hill or Beacon Heights, the failure of Christophe Harbor and the dismal failure of La Valle, which has absolutely nothing to show for the thousands of dollars invested in it but mosquitoes.
Richards supported his claim that family and friends have been the exclusive beneficiaries of many of the high-end investments. In fact, he went as far as to name a known activist of the Labour government who has an exclusive contract to sell homes at Beacon Heights.
"Our leader is living in another world." Richards claimed. He said the Prime Minister appears not to care and is seemingly on a mission to "empty the treasury", while the poor are concerned about the high cost of food and medicines which were previously free for the poor and elderly. Bus fares, the high cost of water, school fees, and high electricity costs continue to put a dent in the pockets of the ordinary man who can least afford many of the increases.
Mr. Richards spoke to the fact that although the VAT has impacted every aspect of our people's existence, the only relief the government offered during the last sitting of parliament was the removal of the tax from horse racing. A much needed relief on food is yet to come.
Meanwhile, the introduction of VAT has also hurt many businesses. Mr. Richards named several businesses, small and large, that closed their doors because of the strain they faced in meeting many of the drastic increases caused by VAT. J's Shop and Save, Island Hopper, Singer, Clear Harbor Call Center, Fat Tuesday and Cloud 9 are only some of the many businesses that have had to call it quits.
Richards also gave a brief history of the genesis of the filing of the Motion Of No Confidence and the political stalemate, including the fact that the Speaker of the House is sending mixed signals stating in one breath there is nothing he can do to table the motion so long as it is in the court yet now the motion has been withdrawn from the court, he stalls further.
The confident leader ended his presentation on a high note of praise for all who helped to make the evening’s meeting possible and reaffirmed his commitment to working with his colleagues to ensure a Unity alliance to take the federation to a level of prosperity desired by all of its citizens at home and abroad. The audience responded with throngs of applause and a standing ovation.
Question And Answer Segment
The excitement began once the floor opened up for questions. The first individual who commented, charged that the PAM aligned itself with the Unity concept out of circumstances and that he didn't see what plans the PAM had to move the nation forward.
The young party leader promptly responded that many political decisions are borne out of circumstances and that the country has come to a place in its existence where a unified government will effectuate the change needed to propel the country to greater heights.
Richards offered a reminder of the aspects of governance a unity government will address including term limits, integrity in public life, electoral and constitutional reform, VAT reform, crime and safety initiatives, improved infrastructure, land acquisition, and agricultural expansion among other things.
Another individual said he had but one question to ask "When Douglas gon' get a jail?". The honorable leader calmly suggested the appropriate investigative procedures will be followed should the time come for an investigation of the Prime Minister.
Another interesting question asked of the leaders was how receptive are they to throwing their support behind a Prime Minister who hails from Nevis.
Mr. Richards stated unequivocally that he supports ANY member leading the party as they are all capable of so doing and therefore rendered his support for a leader who hailed from Nevis.
Another audience member asked "What's happening on Wednesday?"
According to Mr. Richards, in alliance with other NGO’s and all others in opposition to the delay of the MONC, there will be a strong opposition presence in Basseterre on Wednesday.
Another question asked was what yardstick will be used to change the boundaries. The leader of the PAM suggested there are several factors that should be used to determine changes but without any recent data from a population census, it is clear the changes will be based on the need for the current administration to embark on a gerrymandering campaign. Richards didn't express confidence that boundary changes would fairly represent population shifts.
A former educator offered his support of the Unity construct by quoting the words of Martin Luther King, "Those who are afraid of the future will be consumed by the past." He sought the two man team's indulgence as to the way forward.
The evening's chairperson Dr. Sweeney did an admirable job in encouraging and allowing a spirited exchange between the PAM representatives and the audience who showed their appreciation with applause.
Government supporters in the audience were sure to voice their displeasure with some of the comments made by the speakers but the meeting was a show of support for a unified effort of all citizens.
Many in attendance interacted with the representatives and indulged in the dainty treats provided.
The meeting ended shortly after 8:30 pm.
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