by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—Hon. Dr Shawn K. Richards has been elected Political Leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM), returning to lead the St. Kitts opposition party as it prepares for its next chapter.
Richards was elected on September 1, 2026, during a Special Caucus attended by delegates from PAM’s eight constituencies. The leadership election followed the resignation of Natasha “Shanny” Grey-Brookes, who formally stepped down as party leader effective July 31, 2026.
In his first statement after the vote, Richards expressed gratitude to party members for placing their confidence in him and said he accepted the responsibility with humility and a strong sense of duty.
He also acknowledged Lincoln Pelle, who contested the leadership, praising him for what he described as a brave and competitive campaign. Richards said Pelle’s participation reflected his commitment to PAM and deserved the party’s respect.
Richards paid tribute to outgoing executive members for their service and thanked Grey-Brookes for her years of contribution to PAM, both as Political Leader and as a candidate. Grey-Brookes also recently withdrew her candidacy for Constituency Number One, East Basseterre, after indicating that she had faced pushback during her tenure.
Richards framed his return as the beginning of a genuine party renewal, emphasising that change must be demonstrated through action rather than words.
He identified five immediate priorities for PAM:
- Uniting the party.
- Strengthening its internal organs, structures and operations.
- Implementing recommendations arising from the Committee on Reconciliation.
- Preparing comprehensively for the next general election.
- Finalising plans for the National Convention and rebuilding relationships with former members.
Richards said the process would begin immediately with meetings involving incoming and outgoing executive members, the General Secretary, candidates and caretakers. He also invited party officials, candidates, caretakers and members to attend a church service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday at Antioch Baptist Church in Lime Kiln.
The returning leader called for greater civility, discipline and respect within PAM, while acknowledging that disagreement and debate are part of political life. He urged members to place the interests of the party and the people it seeks to serve above personal political considerations.
Richards also accepted personal responsibility for past shortcomings and apologised to members who felt disappointed, hurt or frustrated by his actions. He promised to listen more closely, seek greater understanding and respond more compassionately to members’ concerns.
His message focused on restoring trust and confidence across the organisation. Richards said PAM needed every member, supporter, former member, young person and elder as it worked to rebuild its image and strengthen its base.
The leadership change gives PAM a familiar figure at the helm as the organisation reorients itself ahead of the next election cycle. Richards previously served as PAM’s leader for 12 years from 2012 until 2024.
Richards ended his address by urging supporters to work together with unity, discipline, purpose and determination. For the newly elected leader, the renewal of PAM begins immediately, with the next phase centred on reconciliation, organisation and preparation for the country’s next general election.
