Central Basseterre PAM Representative, Ambassador Jonel Powell welcomes the campaign launched on social media by former PAM Chairman Selwyn “Rusty” Liburd dubbed Real Change, as part of the democratic process, or “democracy at work”.
Speaking to Freedom Fm Newsdesk on Thursday, Powell recalled that “the PAM is in its 53rd year with long traditions of democracy and any member of the Party is open to challenge and put themselves up to represent the part at the executive level or any level for that matter’, said Powell.
Liburd ran against Powell at the last convention narrowly losing but Powell sees Liburd’s bid to become the Deputy Leader as further evidence of taking the Party process forward as it allows full participation by anyone who wants to play a pivotal role in the party’s political development.
“Yes I am one of the two Deputy Leaders… I think I have been doing a good job at it… I have been in that position for the past 4 years and so I know what it takes. But you know e can’t be stagnant and if Rusty thinks he can bring something new to the Party to advance the party, Then I welcome them…l that is democracy”, Powell stated with confidence.
TV Talk Show Host Selwyn “Rusty” Liburd has launched his campaign for the post of Deputy Leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM). The former Party Chairman confirmed his intentions and launced “REAL CHANGE” campaign via Social Media. The Launch comes some 10 days before the Party is expected to meet in Caucus on April 8th to elect a new executive to chart the way forward for the next year and likely into the next General Elections in 2020. The new Executive will be ratified at the Party Convention which is scheduled for April 23rd at the Party Headquarters.
Liburd served as PAM Chairman from 2012 to 2013 and also held various positions within the Party from President of the Young Pamites and various executive roles up to his election as Chairman in 2012. In 2013 Liburd was one of two persons vying for the Central Basseterre PAM Candidacy along with Attorney Jonel Powell.
Powell eventually got the nod over Liburd in what was a memorable campaign for the Candidacy of PAM Central. The Current Deputy Leaders of PAM are the Hon. Eugene Hamilton and His Excellency Ambassador Jonel Powell. PAM Leader Hon. Shawn K Richards is the Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts-Nevis. PAM holds more seats in the St. Kitts-Nevis Parliament than any other party and they are one of three partner parties including the CCM and the PLP that make up the ruling Team UNITY Administration led by Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris.