BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT has yet to be announced who the new St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party candidate for St. Christopher Three would be, and those responsible for the processes which the hopefuls would have to undergo have indicated that an announcement would be made shortly.
One of the hopefuls - Konris ‘King Konris’ Maynard - was questioned by this publication more than a month ago about whether or not he is capable of representing the people of that constituency.
He confidently expressed that should he be selected for such a task, he has what it takes to get the job done.
“Absolutely! I think the fact that I am being considered, even at this stage of my life, is testament to the belief of some that I am well equipped and well able to take on the herculean task of Public Service through representation. Further, it should be clear from my past experiences that anything that I have endeavored to do, I have always entered with a view that I can and am able to succeed.
“Naturally, there are always things to learn and experiences that will further mould one’s abilities. However, you can be rest assured that I am certainly not concerned about my own capabilities if this were to be a venture I would undertake.”
Asked if he views his age as a disadvantage, Maynard proclaimed that, some of the greatest men this world has seen got their start at an early age.
“The truth is that history has shown that the people who have gone on to provide the greatest representation for their countrymen were not limited by their age. In fact, the Great Book says, ‘And a little child shall lead them.’ There is also the story of King David! In modern times, men like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela came to prominence before the age of 30. John F Kennedy was first elected to political office at age 29.
“Our very own, first National Hero, Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, became president of The St. Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union at around age 28 and was elected to political office by around age 30. These men went on to leave an indelible and profound mark in history. If age was a disadvantage to them, that is certainly a disadvantage I would love to have.”
Maynard – an avid and successful calypsonian – explained that he is still not decided on whether this is the best means through which he could serve his country and that he is in discussion with his family in that regard.
“…It is important to note that the process of selection is still in progress and, as such, my family and I have not fully evaluated whether I will seek to serve our country in the capacity of a representative of the people of St. Christopher Three or through some other avenue of service. As always, before any decision on such a life changing moment can be made, we would like to ensure that we have examined thoroughly if this is the best way that I can contribute to nation building. Consequently, we think it is critically important for the process to pan out until the time when a definitive answer is to be given as to what my involvement can be. It is no secret that I love my country dearly and would do what is necessary to ensure a prosperous future. And so, I must properly examine how best to help.”
Maynard was also asked about specific programmes which he would focus on should he be selected and should he accept the mandate to represent the people of St. Christopher Three.
“…Because the process is incomplete and a choice has not been made as yet as to who would represent St. Christopher Three for the St. Kitts/Nevis Labour Party, I think it would be premature to insert myself into the political debate by stating the main and specific issues one would focus on. At the appropriate time, if one were to be selected as a nominee and one accepts such nomination, it would be made clear about the platform on which one's public policy would be based.”
