By Lesroy W. Williams Observer Reporter
(Basseterre, St. Kitts)”The Central Basseterre Constituency Office opened on December 12 in the pouring rain as many well-wishes of Marcella Liburd, the candidate for constituency #2, was officially introduced to the people by Leader of the Labour Party, Dr. Denzil Douglas. Surprisingly absent from the opening ceremony was the elected representative for the Central Basseterre Constituency, Dwyer Astaphan, who is still Member of Parliament for the constituency, although he resigned his portfolio as Minister of National Security, Immigration and Labour on July 31 of this year. There were no apologies given for his absence. Part of the highlights of the evening’s proceedings was the honouring of past Central Basseterre representatives. The Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw was posthumously awarded; Antonio Ribeiro, Errol Maynard and G.A. Dwyer Astaphan were also awarded. Mr. Maynard was on hand to receive his award while others accepted the awards for Ribeiro and Bradshaw. With no one to accept Mr. Astaphan’s award, Prime Minister Douglas accepted it.” Ms. Liburd, former speaker of the National Assembly, lawyer, educator, and sportswoman, has decided to wage her campaign under the theme, “For Stronger Families, Safer Communities.” “This office that we are opening this evening is a perfect example of what can be achieved when we come together with a common purpose and focus,” she said in addressing a crowd made up of Kittitians, Hispanics and Jamaicans. “We must never underestimate the strength of a woman,” she said. “Today is a special day comrades as it marks the official beginning of a relationship between the people of Central Basseterre. We have an open door policy and we welcome all people of Central Basseterre with no exception,” Ms. Liburd said. “We cannot afford to let our petty differences prevent us from grappling with finding urgent solutions to the consistent gunning down of our young sons. These reckless and seemingly senseless events make our collective hearts grieve. “I want you to stand with me, work with me to strengthen families, strengthen the sporting organizations and clubs and other community organizations, strengthen the neighbourhoods, and strengthen the community of Central Basseterre and St. Kitts and Nevis. “I want you to do that as one family by embracing the old ways of “each one, teach one””, looking out for each other and being each others keeper. Dr. Douglas hailed Ms. Liburd as a woman who continues to serve her country with distinction. “Tonight is a very happy occasion” it is really Marcella’s night; it is Central Basseterre’s Night,” the Prime Minister said. “Marcella has offered herself to serve the interests of the people as the elected representative of Central Basseterre,” he said. “The things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us,” he said. The Central Basseterre Constituency has been known to be a Labour Party stronghold and has been home to many Hispanics and Jamaicans who now live in St. Kitts.”” The entertainment of the night reflected the diverse melting pot of culture that makes up Constituency # 2. There were traditional dances, music and traditional wear from St. Kitts, The Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Food and Music accompanied the celebration for the rest of the night.
