The West St. George constituency council of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) has selected Assistant Comptroller of Inland Revenue Kaschaka Cupid as their preferred candidate in the district in the next general elections.
Cupid defeated lawyer Louise Mitchell, daughter of NDP founder Sir James Mitchell, in a primary at the Democratic House, the party’s headquarters in Kingstown on Thursday.
His candidacy must be ratified by the party’s central executive. Opposition Leader Godwin Friday, who, as NDP president, must trigger that process, said this would be done in due course, but suggested that it will take place sometime after the Christmas holidays.
After the primary, Mitchell pledged her support for Cupid and told him, the party leadership and the council that she would ensure that he remains focused and makes his best effort to win the seat.
Meanwhile, in a brief interview after his successful bid, Cupid told iWitness News that it “feels great” to have won the primary.
“It feels good representing the people of West St. George, being the selected candidate for the NDP,” he said, adding that the journey began in February when he declared his interest to the party leader, Godwin Friday.
“And the process has been an exciting one so far meeting the people of West St. George in the various communities. They’re airing their views and concerns to me, and I am here to serve the people, and I look forward to doing so in a more meaningful way in the future.”
‘NDP continues to attract competent and reputable professionals’
Cupid won the run-off, which took place after he and Mitchell each made a presentation to the delegates, outlining their outlook, plans for the constituency and why each of them thought he or she was the better candidate.
Cupid told the delegates that the NDP continues to attract competent and reputable professionals, noting that Kishore Shallow and Conroy Huggins were announced recently as the candidates for North Leeward and Central Leeward.
“I know these men very well and we share an interest in representational politics. We believe that we should develop strong relationships with our constituents, to ensure that their voices are heard. West St. George will be safe in my hands.”
Cupid said he had not taken lightly the decision to get involved in politics.
“We know our political landscape; we know how rampant political victimisation is of young people like me,” Cupid said.
He said he also knows the sacrifices that come with the decision “to serve this country, especially if you are opposing this government.
“But for these reasons and more, I have a burning conviction to help this great party, the NDP, to effect positive changes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I have the support of my family, friends, and constituents.”
He said he recalled stories of people in Belair, Gomea, and other West St. George communities saying that his father, Alwyn Cupid, should have been a politician.
“Apparently, he was well-liked, a real community man, someone of great integrity,” Cupid said, adding that his father’s influence has ensured that was able to stand before the delegates “to offer you another community man, another man of integrity, me, Kaschaka Cupid”.
‘A successful government needs a Kaschaka Cupid’
Cupid said he is a community man and will always be a man who believes in family.
“Unfortunately, my marriage ended in divorce, but does not stop my ex-wife, my friend and I from being active parents to our two beautiful daughters. They remain my world, and I have received their blessing. They too understand the mud-slinging that sometimes comes with this field, but have given me their full support. I am asking you now for yours,” Cupid said.
He said that as an accountant who holds a master’s degree in investments and wealth management, “I offer to St. Vincent and the Grenadines sound financial sense and insights into the world of investment.
“A successful government needs a Kaschaka Cupid who could help to make wise financial decisions to prevent the mess that has St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful state that has resources that are yet to be developed. Give me the opportunity to not only help to the develop our natural resources but our people as well.”
Cupid said that West St. George is blessed with rivers, lush forested areas and a spa (mineral spring).
“We are an ideal spot for adventure tourists and those who simply wish to return to nature. Yet, we have not advanced in any meaningful way.”
He said that despite having one of the best sources of spa water, the constituency has failed to market this.
Cupid commended Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, the previous NDP candidate in the constituency, on the work she has done.
“Allow me to develop sports in our community, jobs and businesses for our young people, recreational activities and improved health care for all, especially our elderly and to find markets for our agricultural produce.”
Cupid said he had already touched base with farmers who are keen on working with him to develop their products and to improve their business.
“Crime is increasing in our nation and as a former national cricketer, former captain of our own Toppers and the present First Vice President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association executive, I could say to you that participation in sports allows young people to become more disciplined. Some might even become professional players.”
Youth need ‘positive alternatives to a life of crime’
Cupid said that Vincentian youth need positive alternatives to a life of crime.
“I am capable of creating and facilitating such initiatives. My friends, delegates of West St. George, with utmost confidence, I say to you today, that with your support, we will bring home the West St. George seat for the new Democratic Party.”
He said he would play his role under an NDP government to ensure the provision of more and better-paid jobs; foster entrepreneurial opportunities; increase economic growth and people-centred fiscal measures; address the crime rate; and, improve healthcare.
“And oh gard, the roads dem bad eh? We have to fix them. That has been the cry of a number of persons,” Cupid said.
“Delegates and friends of West St. George, thank you for your support thus far. Once you allow me the opportunity to represent you on election day, when the dust has cleared, I will be the elected Member of Parliament for West St George. Kaschaka Cupid your future area representative for West St. George.”
Cupid I wish you well but you have a hurdle to overcome. This constituency has a very strange personality. To win you have to be able to manage it effectively. In addition, know that Curtis king has now entrenched him self in the community 6.I see Cupid’s challenge as akin to the biblical.narrative of David v Goliath. I wish you well.
I am so happy that the people knows that you are not going to only eat ah food .