By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Tuesday 11th June 2024)-First time female leader-elect of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) Natasha ‘Shanny’ Grey-Brookes has her sights on becoming the first female Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Grey-Brookes, who is the candidate representative for Constituency One (East Basseterre), expressed such ambitions during the PAM convention held on Sunday, 9th June 2024, at PAM Headquarters on Lockhart Street in Basseterre, days after her historic leadership election during the PAM caucus on 2nd June. “I have so many women to make me proud.
I have so many women that I have to make proud. Not just being the first female leader, but positioning myself to be the first female Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis. When that day comes, the glass ceiling will surely be shattered,” she shared.
As gathered, PAM will celebrate sixty (60) years come January 2025. Highlighting the essential role of women and youth in the party’s growth, Grey-Brookes remarked, “The women and the youth are vital to the growth and development of our party.
We have to admit that these two arms of the party have to increase and be strengthened in order for us to win elections. The energy and capability of women’s group must be harnessed if we are to conquer our greatest challenge; that of removing the present government.” According to her: “The women in the party has always been the backbone of this party as they have worked hard to build and uplift our male counterparts.” Grey-Brookes gave her view on what female leadership for the country would be like.
“If we focus on the last ten years, especially when the country has tried men as our leaders, we have seen the mixed results. You know the stories; I don’t have to expound on them. What I say is what Margaret Thatcher would say: ‘In politics, if you want anything said, you have to make a difference.
If you want anything – LOCAL NEWS – done, ask a woman’. Shanny is here to do and get things done.” Acknowledging her political inspirations, she shared, “I was asked some time ago in an interview with Chris Collins out of the UK, which two politicians in your party will you want to emulate?
And I said, Sir Kennedy and Dame Constance Mitchum. Our first prime minister and our first female parliamentarian. They have paved the way for persons like me. I know I can depend on their advice, their experience, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them both for their warm congratulatory remarks.” In appealing to voters she commented: “Last convention, I said it and I will repeat it again: If I have done you any wrong or I offended you in some way, I am sorry.
Our people are our greatest resource. Never for a moment think that you are not important,” Grey-Brookes stated. Reflecting on the importance of connecting with constituents, Grey-Brookes quoted from Sir Kennedy’s autobiography: “In chapter 35 of Sir Kennedy’s autobiography, he had this to say.
But one thing we were always convinced of is that when it comes to politics, there is no substitute for talking to people and listening to people, and understanding what their issues are, what their concerns are. Even if you cannot help immediately.
You still need to listen and show genuine empathy with their situation.” “Listening to the people you are planning to represent is basic fundamental. I am not giving up on my people,” she noted. Grey-Brookes affirmed, “Your confidence in my leadership means so much to me.
I must recognize that I am not here by myself. I stand before you on the shoulders of the people of St. Kitts, on the shoulders of the stalwarts of PAM generally but especially the shoulders of my warriors from the East.” She first contested the general elections in August 2022 and was defeated by first time candidate Dr.
Geoffrey Hanley of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) – who is the current Deputy Prime Minister. Front Page Image: First time female leader-elect of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) Natasha ‘Shanny’ Grey-Brookes speaking at her party’s convention on Sunday 6th June 2024 (Credit: Facebook/PAMThe People’s Action Movement)
