Grace defends her absence from N. Windward during volcanic eruption

The Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate for North Windward, Grace Walters, has defended her absence from the constituency during the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in April 2021.

Walters found herself on the defensive as she delivered her first major speech since being selected as the ruling party’s candidate for the next general election, widely expected by November 2025.

Walter spoke on Sunday at the ULP’s rally in Rabacca to celebrate the ULP’s 24th anniversary in office.

The event, which featured regional and local entertainment acts, also doubled as the official launch of Walter’s candidacy.

She reminded the audience that she had said at her candidate selection in Sandy Bay on Feb. 23 that she would not stop speaking about the Rabacca Bridge, which opened in 2007.

“Well, some of the older comrades from North Windward want me to remind you, because that’s what we’re doing. We’re reminding you where we came from,” she said.

She said that when asked about a bridge over the Rabacca Dry River, “the previous administration” suggested that culverts be placed there.

“Can you imagine what would have happened without that bridge when that volcano erupted?” Walters said, adding that because of the Rabacca Bridge, the volcano red zone in North Windward was evacuated “without glitch and without casualty.

“And for those who questioned where Grace Walters was during all of that, … I’m speaking to the other people in the constituency who are seemingly out of touch.

“Grace Walters, at the time, was the hospital administrator. In this role, she coordinated activities for hospital services, activities that will address national emergencies. So, when during this volcanic eruption, that’s where she was. She was taking care of helping the staff to get to and from work, taking care of the sick.

“She was providing guidance for her staff. She was preparing all the hospitals for mass casualties in case there was some. And I think that’s much more than just sitting in an office.”

Walters said her family, friends and communities were at risk.

“I couldn’t be with them. This was one of the most painful experiences I’ve had working away from home,” Walters said, adding that even more painful was the words uttered by some “implying that because I was not there physically, that I was totally absent.

“Do you know how it felt? Do you know how it felt when you call your mother and hearing your daddy still dey in the land and say he nah move?”

Walters asked the audience to imagine being the hospital administration during a volcanic eruption and trying to convince your father to obey the evacuation order “while the staff at your facility, calling you for guidance, supplies and information.

“Your sibling who is overseas calling you for reassurance, and your friends overseas are also calling for the same thing. You can’t provide. You can’t be with them,” Walters said.

“How heartless can you be to say that I was just sitting in an office? How dare you? How dare you? They’re trying all sorts of tactics, comrades, including trying to trick you into believing that I don’t care, that I don’t care about you, but you know better than that,” said Walters, who after her candidate selection had defended her residency outside the constituency.

“Service has always been my life, and will always be my life. I will not let you down. I love you too much for that.”

Walters praised the “tremendous work” in North Windward by outgoing MP Montgomery Daniel, also of the ULP, who has been representing the constituency since 2001 but has said he would not seek re-election.

“Mr. Daniel has done, and with your help, we will continue to work to develop tourism, agriculture, advance health, continue the agricultural industry in North Windward as we continue to make our mark as one of the most productive and enterprising constituencies in our blessed land,” Walters said.