Team Unity campaign launch
Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 20, 2020 (ZIZ News): The Candidates representing the various parties that make up the Team Unity coalition officially introduced themselves to the public on Tuesday night during the Team Unity 2020 Campaign Launch ahead of federal elections in June.
The launch was held under the theme “Stronger, Safer Future” and took place in a premier episode of 869 Forward which was aired live on ZIZ TV.
The parties that make up Team Unity are the People’s Action Movement (PAM), The People’s Labour Party (PLP), and The Concerned Citizen’s movement (CCM).
The Team Unity candidates vying for seats in the upcoming elections are Ian Liburd of PAM for Constituency #1, Jonel Powell of PAM for Constituency #2, Akilah Byron-Nisbett of PLP for Constituency #3, Lindsay Grant of PAM for Constituency #4, Shawn Richards of PAM for Constituency #5, Kevin Williams of PLP for Constituency #6, Dr. Timothy Harris of PLP for Constituency #7, Eugene Hamilton of PAM For Constituency #8, Mark Brantley representing CCM for Constituency #9, Eric Evelyn of CCM for Constituency #10, and Alexis Jeffers of CCM for Constituency #11.\
In his presentation, Leader of the CCM Mark Brantley noted that the formation of the Team Unity coalition was historic and added the group has been defying the critics since its inception.
“For the first time in the history of this country political parties with different viewpoints, even persons who had hitherto been opposed to each other came together in Unity,” he said. “And since that time we have succeeded even beyond our wildest imaginations in transforming the country of St. Kitts and Nevis. They said it couldn’t last, they say it couldn’t happen but Unity not only happened, it lasted and it has grown even stronger.”
He went on to pledge the CCM’s commitment to the coalition and the future of the Federation.
“We of the Concerned Citizen’s Movement are as committed now as we were then to this Team Unity administration. It is important for us not to turn back now. It is important for us to keep the momentum that this Team Unity administration has had,” he said.
Leader of the People’s Action Movement, Shawn Richards said Team Unity’s performance speaks for itself, and made specific reference to the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“You can’t question the performance of Team Unity,” he said. “Imagine, we have had Covid in this country and when other bigger countries have been unable to respond effectively. Team Unity has come with the best stimulus package, right here, in the Caribbean region.”
Leader of the People’s Labour Party, Dr. Timothy Harris, credited the successes of the nation over the past five years to the hard work of his cabinet colleagues.
“Because all that we have accomplished in the short (space) of five years, we have accomplished as a team,” he said. “There is no ‘I’ in ‘team’. All of us have worked together, contributed to the success of a country that we love.”
The Campaign Launch included performances by national artistes including Sylvester “King Socrates” Hodge. Due to Covid-19 social distancing regulations the launch was held without an audience.
Nomination Day is slated for May 27. Elections will be held on June 5.