by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Leader of the Opposition in the Nevis Island Assembly, the Hon Cleone Stapleton-Simmonds will be celebrating her 2nd year as Parliamentary Representative for Constituency 5, St Thomas’ Parish, Nevis with the hosting of several events.
Stapleton-Simmonds succeeds former Parliamentary Representative, former leader of the Nevis Reformation Party and former Premier of Nevis the Hon. Joseph Walcott Parry who retired from active politics on Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
A by-election was held on March 5, 2020 and Stapleton-Simmonds received 518 votes from the 717 ballots cast, thus becoming the elected representative for Constituency 5 Nevis.
A guest on Your Voice with the NRP, Stapleton-Simmonds reflected upon the past two years as a parliamentarian.
“The 5th of March will mark the second anniversary since I have been elected as the representative for St Thomas’s, that is Nevis 5; and so, just upon reflection as to the journey thus far, I must say that, it has been both a challenging and a very rewarding experience at the same time. I am very honoured to have been elected to represent the good people of St. Thomas’. It’s a very historic parish and the people of St. Thomas’ have been accustomed to representation at a very high standard.”
The Opposition Leader added, “Former Premiers, the late Dr. Simeon Daniel, as well as Mr. Joseph Parry would have perhaps superseded everyone’s expectations because they were both within their own right, visionary leaders and so, I think St.Thomas’ have really set the tone when it comes to representation; particularly so for the Nevis Reformation Party and I see no reason why NRP would not continue on that same path and trend when it comes to leadership and really serious representation in moving the country forward in terms of development and ensuring that jobs are secured for the people”
Stapleton-Simmonds recalled the establishment of the Lowlands Community Foundation, which was created to assist persons in different aspects of their lives, including education and business, as well as social outreach.
Stapleton-Simmonds said she has given financial assistance to some constituents for personal projects. She said a number of activities including the establishment of the Morella Webbe Scholarship Fund, walks in aid of domestic violence, sporting activities for children in the constituency, as well as visits to constituents on special occasions were held, amongst other things.
“Part and parcel of our work there, is really just community outreach; ensuring that we are keeping in contact with the constituents, making them feel loved and appreciated, because of course, I could not have been here in this position without the love and support of my beloved constituents.”
To mark the 2nd anniversary as Parliamentary Representative for St. Thomas’ Parish, Stapleton-Simmonds shared a Calendar of Activities dated Monday, February 28 to Sunday, March 6 2022.
On Monday, February 28 at 4:30 pm, the area rep engaged in Mass Canvassing in Jessups Village, which was followed by a presentation on the programme Your Voice with the NRP on VON radio at 8:00 pm. Tuesday, March 1st at 4:30, the area rep continued Mass Canvassing in the Craddock Road area.
At 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 2, Stapleton-Simmonds will carry out Mass Canvassing in Clifton Estate, to be followed by a special edition of her radio talk show “Legendary” at 8:00 pm, in honour of fallen cultural icon from St. Thomas’ Mr. Chesley “Faro” Davis.
Mass Canvassing will be done on Thursday, March 3 in Cotton Ground at 4:30 pm. However, at 8:00 pm, the area rep will be a guest on the online radio talk show “Tell Me” on 2020 Vision Radio.
On Friday, March 4, at 4:30 pm there will be Mass Canvassing in Barnes Ghaut, followed by Games Night at the Cotton Ground Bus Stop from 7:15 pm to 10:00 pm.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, at 6:00 am there will be a walk from Five Turning in Cotton Ground to Max Shop in Westbury, where there will be an appreciation breakfast and jumble sale. Stapleton-Simmonds will also be hosting a “Beach Lime” at Cotton Ground Bay at 11:00 am.
A 2nd-anniversary church service will be held on Sunday, March 6 at the St. Thomas’ Anglican Church from 10:30 to 11:30 am.
