BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 9th September 2026)- Newly-elected People’s Action Movement (PAM) Political Leader Dr. Shawn Richards is calling on persons who have considered entering politics not to be afraid to step forward and offer themselves as candidates as the “main opposition party” prepares for the next general election.
He made the call in a national address on Monday 7th September 2026, six days after assuming the position, saying the party would begin its preparations before an election is called.
“The next general election is expected next year, but PAM will not wait until an election is called to begin preparing. We will be ready and the work has begun,” Dr. Richards said.
He said that preparations would include inviting members and supporters to offer themselves for service in constituencies where PAM sees opportunities to strengthen its team.
“We will also invite members and supporters to step forward and offer themselves for service as candidates in constituencies where we have opportunities to strengthen our team. I say to all those who have ever considered serving, do not be afraid to step forward. Our country needs people who are prepared to serve as part of this process of renewal,” he said.
Richards, who was elected Political Leader after former leader Natasha Grey-Brookes resignation, expressed the party’s appreciation for her service.
“I therefore express our party's sincere appreciation to our former political leader, Mrs. Natasha Grey-Brooks for her years of service and commitment to the People's Action Movement,” he said.
Describing his new position, Dr. Richards said he understood the responsibility that comes with leading PAM, which he identified as the main opposition party.
“As leader of the main opposition party, as a member of parliament, and as a former deputy prime minister, I understand the weight of this responsibility,” he said.
Dr. Richards said his election represented “a moment of renewal for PAM and ultimately for St. Kitts and Nevis,” but said that renewal would require action.
“But renewal will mean nothing unless we have the courage and determination to act,” he said.
He outlined the changes he said would be required within PAM.
“Our immediate responsibility within PAM is clear. We must rebuild, strengthen and modernize our organization. We will strengthen our systems. We will improve our structures. We will empower our people. And we will build a disciplined, united, modern political movement that is prepared and ready to govern,” Richards said.
He said the renewal process should extend beyond the party itself.
“But let me make this absolutely clear. Renewal cannot simply be about changing a political party. It must be about renewing our country,” he said.
Dr. Richards said PAM would seek to open its doors to a wider group of people, including young people, women, professionals, entrepreneurs, workers, farmers and community leaders.
“Under my leadership, our doors will be open to young people, women, professionals, entrepreneurs, workers, farmers, community leaders, and every citizen who believes that St. Kitts and Nevis can do better,” he said.
He also appealed to people who had become disillusioned with PAM or had stepped away from the party.
“The door is open to those who have become disillusioned. To those who stepped away, to those who still believe in the ideals upon which PAM was founded, I extend a hand of welcome,” Dr. Richards said.
“Let us put aside personal differences. Let us put country before personality. Let us put service before self, and let us rebuild together.”
Looking ahead to the election, Richards said PAM would use the coming months to develop its policies and plans.
“In the months ahead, we will present detailed policies, programs, and initiatives. We will listen to our people. We will consult widely, and we will develop a national vision that is not simply about winning an election but about winning a better future for St. Kitts and Nevis,” he said.
Dr. Richards pledged to serve with integrity and said trust would be his watchword.
“I will serve with integrity. I will continue to serve with trust as my watchword. I will lead with courage. I will listen with humility. And I will put country before party and people before politics,” he said.
Dr. Richards was elected at a Special Caucus convened at PAM Headquarters on Tuesday 1st September 2026, marking his return for a second period in the position.
