DOUGLAS… this election is different because we shall see leadership change within the party during the next term that the people will give us
BASSETERRE, St Kitts CMC — Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term in office, has signalled that the February 16 general election will be his last at the helm of the ruling St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP).
“I have said to you I will not be here forever, it is during this term we will see succession, we will see the hand-over of the leadership of our party and our Government,” said the 62-year-old leader at the launch of the SKNLP team of candidates.
Douglas, the longest serving Caribbean prime minister, who came to office in 1995, said the “dynamic leadership” of the party and the government would emerge over the coming months.
“Without any water in my mouth, I say, it is the time that is important, this election is different because we shall see leadership change within the party during the next term that you shall give us. It’s a new era for Labour,” said Dr Douglas.
He said the candidates contesting the polls represent a combination of maturity, experience and youth, recalling the struggles of the party over the last 80 years on behalf of the population.
“This is a party that is rooted in history, we will never forget where we have come from. There is only one option in this election, victory for Labour because history is on our side,” he said, adding that the opposition was busy running to the courts to try and stop the election because they are not ready to lead the country.
“This new team will continue the real progress and real change, they will take us into a brighter future,” he said.
Douglas promised that the socio-economic progress the twin island Federation had enjoyed over the past 20 years would continue into the future under a Labour administration.
Meanwhile, speaking on his weekly radio programme, Ask the Prime Minister, Dr Douglas said, “everything that we have in St Kitts and Nevis today, every positive that we see around us, everything outstanding accomplishment that sets us apart from our Caribbean neighbours and the rest of the world is a result of special vision, special focus, special skill, special expertise, special capabilities”.