Basseterre, St. Kitts - The political campaign of the Deputy Leader of the opposition People’s Action Movement, (PAM), Jonel Powell, took a turn for the better on Saturday when he staged a hugely successful Whistle Stop, that travelled throughout his constituency, which will be one of the crucial seats up for battle, come the next election, which many are convinced, is not too far away.
Powell had to overcome many obstacles which he said were placed in his way by the government, after they refused to give permission for his entourage to end his “mini-motorcade” at either the Garden’s Playing Field or Greenlands Park. These facilities are under the control of Labour Party candidates and Government Ministers, Glenn Phillip and Marcella Liburd respectively.
He also revealed that though permission was granted by the police for the event, in the end the law enforcement agency also requested that the planned appearance of the Nu Vybz Band, which is the country’s top entertainment group, could not be allowed, out of fear, said the Police Commissioner for certain security challenges that might have resulted.
Powell was told that no matter the venue of choice, or time of day during the Whistle Stop, once it was his constituency or Basseterre generally, the Nu Vybz Band could not play at his function. He was told however that they could have the session outside of Basseterre. This has led many to ask if this means that the popular group cannot anymore perform in Basseterre, or if this policy or concern of the police only pertains to Powell and his party and by extension the coalition group called Team Unity. Many residents of Central, who said they were disturbed by the decision, are now keeping a watchful eye to see when next Nu Vybz will perform in the capital city.
However despite all these efforts said Powell, the Whistle Stop turned out to be a smashing success, attracting the participation and attention of hundreds, both in the procession and along the streets, as the people of Central gathered to cheer on the young candidate, who is fighting his first battle at the polls against a first term incumbent that he hopes to make a one term representative.
Powell says the strong show of support on Saturday has helped to steer his campaign in a new direction with more and more residents of the area stepping forward to demonstrate their resolve to vote for a change and to give him (Powell) “the opportunity to provide a new and more caring style of representation.”
Addressing the participants after the event, Powell not only thanked them for their involvement and support but also their determination to stand up for their country at a time when much is needed to restore confidence in the governance of the country and better representation for the residents of Pine Garden, McKnight, Market Street, Soho, Wades Garden, Freeman’s Village, Irishtown, Fortlands, Shadwell Housing, New Road, College Housing, Dorset, Shadwell Site and other districts that are being under-represented and neglected by the current representative.
Powell says he wants to provide more jobs, business opportunities, better housing, improved educational facilities, and support for small businesses that have been allowed to die due to a lack of government assistance.
Over 50 vehicles took part in the Whistle Stop and Powell says, if this was such a huge showing for a local “mini-motorcade” just in his constituency alone, and not even at an election time, then one can imagine what it would look like when the election bell has been rung and his party PAM and the other groups that comprise the joint opposition called Team Unity, head throughout the country for an island-wide motorcade.
Joining Powell in the Whistle Stop on Saturday were his party colleagues, Political Leader of PAM, Shawn Richards, Co-Deputy Leader, Eugene Hamilton, former leader an candidate for Constituency Number Four, Lindsay Grant, as well as fellow Team Unity members, Sam Condor and Dr. Timothy Harris of the People’s Labour Party.
Support was also provided by the country’s First Prime Minister and former Leader of PAM, Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds and Lady Simmonds and former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Gumbs.
Powell says as a result of this outstanding Whistle Stop, he is now even more convinced of his chances to defeat his opponent in the coming poll.
His mission said Powell is to provide the type of representation that demonstrates that there are “People Caring for People” and not only those who now care only about themselves.
PAM…Moving Forward in UNITY!
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
