Newly-returned People’s Action Movement (PAM) Political Leader Dr. Shawn Richards has pledged to rebuild and modernise the party while calling for greater national unity and a shift away from political division.
Delivering an address on Monday following his return to the leadership of the historic political organisation, Richards described the development as a “moment of renewal” for PAM, but said renewal would only have meaning if accompanied by action.
“This is a moment of renewal for PAM and ultimately for St. Kitts and Nevis, but renewal will mean nothing unless we have the courage and determination to act,” Richards said.
He called for the country to move beyond political divisions, urging citizens to work together regardless of political affiliation or which island they call home.
“We must move forward as one country. We must harness the talents, skills and energy of all our people, regardless of political colour, regardless of which side of the narrows we call home,” he said.
“The days of we versus them must come to an end,” Richards added. He said the country was too small to continue dividing itself every five years while some citizens prosper and others struggle.
Richards said PAM’s immediate responsibility is to rebuild its organisational capacity and prepare itself to govern.
“We must rebuild, strengthen and modernise our organisation. We will strengthen our systems. We will improve our structures. We will empower our people and we will build a disciplined, united, modern political movement that is prepared and ready to govern,” he said.
Turning to the economy, Richards said too many families are struggling with the cost of living, while small businesses are facing increasing difficulties in surviving and expanding. He also expressed concern about young people questioning whether they can build the future they desire in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“We cannot accept this as our permanent reality,” Richards said. He said PAM believes Government should be an instrument for creating opportunity and hope, with an economy designed to benefit ordinary citizens as well as those already doing well.
Richards said a future PAM administration would support a private-sector-led economy, with Government creating an environment conducive to investment, business growth and job creation.
He also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to lower and fewer taxes while promising greater support for small and medium-sized businesses, including locally-owned family enterprises and small shops.
Agriculture, he said, must also become a greater national priority.
“It means putting agriculture at the centre of our national security, because a country that cannot produce enough of its own food remains vulnerable,” Richards said.
He also called for greater use of modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve Government efficiency, increase business productivity and make citizens more competitive.
Richards identified financial services and tourism as other key areas for economic development, calling for a tourism industry that is more sustainable, inclusive and beneficial to local people.
He highlighted the need for stronger support for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, single mothers and families struggling to make ends meet.
Addressing the continuing pressure from food, fuel, transportation and housing costs, Richards said Government must take greater responsibility for responding to the challenges facing households.
“Families cannot simply be told to cope while the cost of living continues to rise. Government must lead, government must act and government must have a plan,” he said.
Richards also placed emphasis on trust and accountability, arguing that the next general election should be about more than political promises.
“If you claim to be experts, you must learn how to deliver,” he said. “So when government gives its word, it must keep its word.”
He said PAM’s own history demonstrates what can be achieved through vision and competent leadership, but cautioned against relying solely on the party’s past achievements.
“We cannot govern tomorrow by simply looking backwards. We must respect our history while preparing for our future,” Richards said.
He said the PAM of tomorrow must be “bigger, broader, stronger and more relevant” than the PAM of yesterday.
Under his leadership, Richards said the party would seek to attract a wider cross-section of society, including young people, women, professionals, entrepreneurs, workers, farmers and community leaders.
He also extended an invitation to former supporters who had become disillusioned or stepped away from the party.
“The door is open to those who have become disillusioned, to those who stepped away, to those who still believe in the ideals upon which PAM was founded,” Richards said.
“Let us put aside personal differences, let us put country before personality, let us put service before self and let us rebuild together,” he added.
With the next general election expected next year, Richards said PAM would not wait for an election date to begin its preparations.
“We will be ready and the work has begun,” he declared.
Richards also used the address to acknowledge mistakes he said he had made over the years, offering an apology to anyone he may have hurt or disappointed.
“Leaders make mistakes and I have made my fair share,” he said. “For that, I sincerely apologise to anyone I may have disappointed or hurt. I take responsibility.”
He pledged to learn from the past and lead with greater humility, while remaining open to new approaches and greater consultation.
“I will not pretend to have all the answers, but I promise you this, I will consult, I will work hard, I will lead and I will never stop believing in the potential of our people,” Richards said.
He concluded by committing himself to serving both PAM and the wider country.
“I will serve with integrity. I will continue to serve with trust as my watchword. I will lead with courage. I will listen with humility and I will put country before party and people before politics,” Richards said.
