By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 7th May 2026) — Deputy Political Leader of the People’s Labour Party and caretaker for St. Christopher Two (Central Basseterre), Dameon Lawrence, has outlined three reasons why the party has chosen the location for its newly opened Central Basseterre Office and People’s Centre (national secretariat) located on Central Street in the old CEMACO building. Speaking at the official opening ceremony held on Saturday 2nd May 2026, he linked the location to the memory of the late Azziwah Niles Jones, also known as ‘Milk’, who was killed in a shooting incident in August 2024, as well as his mother Joyce Niles Jones, who passed away in January 2026.
“Our location is symbolic to our closeness to the two people who contributed to the work that begun … ‘Milk’ represented for us a change in what was politics and what was possible. ‘Milk’ resembled legitimate and honest love for his community and his people. ‘Milk’ exhibited that because he had an amazing example in Joyce Niles Jones,” Lawrence said. He also pointed to the historical significance of the building itself: “Today we open the People’s Centre in a location that was once the CEMACO depot, and if you grew up here and if you ever shopped there, you know that the CEMACO depot was our opportunity for better prices — located in this community. The People’s Labour Party is now occupying the space that was used to help others because the People’s Labour Party is the party that helps others.”
Lawrence further declared that the PLP “has delivered and will deliver again” and said the party “exists because of the people; because of you and we will continue because of you.” He added: “We’ve also chosen this location for a very particular reason — we want the world to know that we reach and we ain’t going no way. I stand here being the change I always talk about and no party should pretend to make you happy. We deserve better, and we will get better because we are serious about the change; the change is orange; the change is PLP.” Also addressing the gathering was PLP Leader and former Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, who described the event as a “special occasion” and stated: “You would be very clear that there is only one alternative to the chaos in government. Tonight marks another advance forward for victory. Today we further prepare ourselves to be of service to all the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. This election will be determined by you — you the voters who are living here and feeling the squeeze day after day.”