BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LEADER of the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) the Hon. Joseph Parry has explained his party’s reasons for replacing former Deputy Premier of Nevis Hensley Daniel with the Hon. Robelto Hector as the candidate for Constituency Nine in the upcoming Federal Elections.
This announcement was made last week by Hector at a NPR’s press conference.
"My party has selected me as the candidate for Constituency Nine...Today, as I thank the party for the endorsement, I want to ask the constituents on both sides of the divide for their support. It is my wish of course together with the support of all to take the constituency of St. Johns, St. Paul’s combined to a new level."
But in an interview with this media house, Parry explained that prior to the last General Elections in 2010, both Daniel and Hector expressed interest in contesting the seat but the former was selected.
"The last time we had the Federal Elections, Mr. Hector and Mr. Daniel were both interested in running and we went with Mr. Daniel as the senior person in the NRP. This time, as the results came out, Mr. Hector did very well, he showed a very strong showing and I think he is an excellent candidate. That seems to be the opinion of the executive and the supporters. So, you have to listen to people around you."
Parry was asked if there is any truth to the suggestion that the decision was taken to replace Daniel because of his recent involvement with the Court. He denied the suggestion but expressed that there are times when fresh candidates are needed in the electoral bullring.
“If you want to use that expression to me, then the same can be used for me as well with the whole court matter and so on. I think sometimes it is useful to change and have a fresh face and we are doing that…"
Daniel contested a By-election in 2007 and the General Elections of 2010 against current Deputy Premier of Nevis the Hon. Mark Brantley and lost on both occasions.
Notwithstanding, Parry seems confident that Hector would be able to unseat Brantley in the Federal Elections.
“I am satisfied that Mr. Hector would win the seat. The NRP is ready for whenever the General Elections would be called."
