By Devonne Cornelius
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Political Leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) the Hon. Shawn Richards has hinted at the possible fallout of Team Unity claiming that there is “selfishness” and “greed” surfacing.
Richards, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, was addressing party delegates, supporters, and friends of PAM at their Annual Convention at St. Mary’s Park in Cayon on Sunday, March 13, 2022.
“Today, I say to you quite clearly and without any reservations that the concept of Unity is under attack by selfishness and greed in an environment where political cooperation is quickly being replaced by the politics of personal destruction. I am not going to dwell with any splinters in my eyes or with any thorns in my side so this evening I am here to talk. I am very clear that the concept of Unity must be pursued always for our nation will be better for it but it cannot be saved just by mere lip service but by concrete actions.
We in PAM cannot be expected to hold hands that are no longer open. We can’t extend an open hand to be given a closed fist in return. We have never sought to use the fact that we are the dominant partner in this movement to bully anyone or to have our exclusive way. We understand the need for compromise…We must all be true to our word, determined even against all odds to keep our promise to each other. PAM will always be willing to give both consideration and respect but expect those in return.”
The PAM leader, who continues to state publicly that he is vying for Prime Ministership at the next General Election, again made clear at PAM’s Convention that he still intends to do so. Deputy Prime Minister Richards said he has provided support to the leadership of Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris and has kept his promise to Team Unity.
“There is not a single individual who can deny that I have been a loyal Deputy Prime Minister for the past seven years but I must also be loyal to the task of keeping the promise. And I stand here tonight, determined to stand up for Unity and keep the promise. And what is that fundamental premise of the promise? The premise of the promise is that all should be treated fairly and with respect and so when Hon. Jonel Powell comes here to complain about housing, it cannot be fair and be with respect when 15 houses are donated to this country and all 15 built in one single constituency.”
During the PAM Convention, a video presentation was played with the Prime Minister and Leader of the People’s Labour Party Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris committing himself to two terms as Prime Minister.
Premier Mark Brantley, Leader of the Concerned Citizens Movement, last week said his party remains committed to Team Unity and also addressed claims that supporters of Team Unity continue to attack him.
In a Facebook post Wednesday (Mar. 09, 2022) Brantley said “there is a lot of noise recently about UNITY and I have stayed quiet. You know why? Because when so called “UNITY” supporters and functionaries attacked me mercilessly under fake profiles and under their own names every day on social Media NOT ONE of those crying now about UNITY mashing up ever condemned what was happening as wrong.”
