ST. VINCENT: – Senator Michelle Fife, the candidate of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) for West Kingstown, has told residents of Ottley Hall that her party has heard their cries.
She said during a rally on Thursday, Sept. 23, that the party knows about the dilapidated roads and need for water and electricity connections in some parts of the constituency.
“But, as comrade Rene so eloquently put it, politics is not limited to light, water, and road. So, I have not come here tonight to spew negativity into the atmosphere. I come to tell you that there is a new hope, that there is a brighter future for you if you support the Unity Labour Party,” the former Miss SVG beauty queen said.
Fife will replace Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste as the ULP’s candidate in West Kingstown. (Go to the homepage to subscribe to I Witness-News)
Baptiste has been representing West Kingstown since March 2001 and is opting out of electoral politics.
“If you are wondering what I offer, I offer energy, I offer fresh ideas, new concepts and accessibility. You see, we are not on politics as usual and this battle is not for the faint-hearted,” said Fife, a lawyer.
She said that many constituents were disgruntled, adding, “a change of government is not the way forward”.
The opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) “has not demonstrated that they are ready to sojourn the highway of governance in this country,” Fife said. (Follow I Witness-News on Facebook)
“My message to you is simple, very simple.… Remember this: Don’t give up, don’t give in. Don’t be discouraged, weeping may endure for the night. And, the night for the community of Ottley hall has been very long, in relations to certain issues. But hold on my sister, hold on my brother. … A new day is coming and that is why comrade Rene had passed on the baton,” Fife said.
Fife said that constituents have complained about poverty and unemployment.
“I want to tell you … that you will always have the power with you. The Bible tells you that. But this government has sought to alleviate poverty. This government fights for the rights of the poor,” she said.
She said the ULP had demonstrated its love for the poor by not raining taxes and not introducing any new taxes.
“My prayer for Ottley Hall is that every yoke of bondage that has been left behind from the NDP will be broken. Than every negative word that has been spewed in this community that will hold it in bondage will be broken,” Fife said.
General elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are constitutionally due by March 2011.