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Parliamentary Representative for North Windward, Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.
Parliamentary Representative for North Windward, Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.
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Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel says he will not contest the next general election, constitutionally due by February 2026 but widely expected by November this year.

Daniel, who has been representing North Windward since 2001 made the announcement as he debated the 2025 budget in Parliament on Tuesday.

He endorsed hospital administrator Grace Walters to succeed him as the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate in the district.

“… I’m satisfied that I’ve given much to the constituency,” Daniel said, adding that his 36 years in politics represents more than half of his life.

“… for the last 24 years, I’ve made significant contributions to the constituency, not only in mortar and brick but with ensuring that there’s improved education,” said Daniel who lives in Sandy Bay, his home village.

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“There’s improved housing, there’s improved access to the constituency. Poverty has been reduced. The standard of living has increased tremendously,” Daniel said.

However, data from a leaked poverty assessment report from 2018 indicated that poverty in North Windward had increased by 11 percentage points, rising from 55% in 2008 to 66% in 2018.

The government, however, did not publish the report, saying that the data had been tainted and a new assessment is yet to be conducted.

“The constituency is now more equipped with professionals,” Daniel said, adding that there are now doctors in Fancy, Owia and Sandy Bay, “something that never was there before”.

Daniel, who is deputy political leader of the Unity Labour Party, said he had signalled to

the constituency “that I’m not offering myself for competitive politics anymore in this beautiful country of ours

“This year makes 36 years that I’m in competitive politics. And I’ve been in politics more than half of my life at this time and so I believe I’ve made a contribution. And so, I will not stand for any further competitive politics in this country.”

He said he believes that the “education revolution” has produced outstanding personalities within the constituency, and a number of them can replace him.

“And there’s one Grace Walters who has indicated her interest. And I say to you that I intend to give for all the support possible to ensure and that constituency remains a Unity, Labour Party constituency”.

In May 2023, the ULP’s North Windward constituency council chose Walters as their preferred candidate in the district in the next general elections.

Daniel, who appeared to become emotional during his comments, said he believes that right-thinking people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines “would realise that Montgomery, Daniel has done well.

“Yes, I recognise that there is more work to be done but there’s always work to be done,” Daniel said.

The MP thanked the constituency “for giving me the opportunity to serve this country.

“The task has not been an easy one, but we have worked well. We have produced results.”

He also thanked the constituency council for their guidance and their support.

“When I came to this position, I told the constituency that I’m human being, that I will make mistakes, but it is for them to let me know where I’m going wrong.”

He said a member of the council would take him to task at almost every constituency council meeting and even at gatherings of the national council.

“… but that was a good of the constituency and for my representation, and so I thank the constituency council very much.”

Daniel also lauded his family for its support, saying, “I know the task has not been an easy one.

“Particularly, … I want to thank the prime minister for giving me the opportunity to work with him.”

He also thanked the staff of the Ministry of Transport of Works, which he had led for the last four years, saying “they have given me tremendous support to carry the Government’s programme forward.

“We have developed a bond and a good working relationship.”

He also thanked his previous staff at the ministries of agriculture and housing.

“… the Ministry of Agriculture until now they’re asking me to come back to the ministry … They’re asking me to come back to the Ministry of Housing. I’ve done my best, I’ve tried my best.”

Daniel was treated to a standing ovation by both sides of the house.

Senator Shevern John, an opposition lawmaker who came within 69 votes of unseating Daniel in the 2020 general election and who will represent the NDP again in North Windward at the next poll, acknowledged Daniel’s service.

John, a resident of North Windward, noted that Daniel is her parliamentary representative and congratulated him on his “over 30-something years of politics.

“I’ve seen him greyer, yes, and his hard work, I am sure, will reap benefits,” John said.

“And I want you to enjoy your retirement with your family and know that and pray that the Lord will continue to bless you.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves appeared to attempt to decouple Daniel’s announcement from any possible indication of when the next general elections might be held.

“We have heard a wonderful address by the honourable deputy prime minister, and I think he reasonably considers that this was his last budget address because he is still here with us, unless, of course, the good Lord advises that we should go into the elections next year, and therefore we have another budget address,” Gonsalves said.

He said that Daniel has “reasonably for himself concluded” that the 2025  Budget Debate is his last.

The prime minister said government lawmakers had indicated that although there was to be one more debate Tuesday night, following Daniel’s address they should suspend the debate until Wednesday morning.

The debate on the EC$1.85 fiscal package continues at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

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