By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 16th April 2021) — Re-elected Political Leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) and Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards declared at PAM’s 55th Convention on Sunday 18th April 2021 in Sandy Point, held under the theme “Preparing Now For The Future,” that “the course has been mapped out for 2025 and it is irreversible.” His speech formally placed his bid to become the next prime minister and the first from his community of Sandy Point.
Richards was re-elected unopposed as PAM leader at the party’s caucus that morning. PAM currently holds four seats in the Team Unity coalition government, the most of the three coalition partners. “Just as he became the third prime minister of this country, it is my intention to be the fourth prime minister of this country. Just as he became the first prime minister from Tabernacle, I intend to be the first prime minister from Sandy Point,” Richards said, in an unmistakable reference to PM Dr. Timothy Harris.
Richards addressed the public debate about coalition leadership rotation directly: “Nevermind the recent outburst about three terms and leadership because commitments are made to be honoured and there should be no fear of departure for political expediency.” He said: “After the next general elections, there will emerge the first Prime Minister from Sandy Point. And I also want to say to my Cabinet colleagues that come the next election, I expect your full support for Shawn to be the next prime minister.”
He also spoke of internal party renewal: “After 56 years, PAM has to look at itself in the mirror and determine its future. The change must start at the top before it shifts to the boundaries below.” Other members of the PAM executive committee confirmed at the 2021 caucus include Deputy Leaders Lindsay Grant and Eugene Hamilton, Chairman Jonel Powell, and General Secretary Natasha Grey.