Very Confident

Leader of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), Arnhim Eustace, says he is confident that the party will win the next general election, constitutionally due in 2015 and has pledged a government of inclusiveness. “We not only feel the normal Christmas breeze of this time of the year, but the emerging winds of change energizing a confident New Democratic Party,” Eustace told the party’s 38 convention. “We speak with confidence not because we believe the race is already won, but because we know that you have felt our consistent support, representation and work for you all the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while we have been in opposition,” said Eustace, who was returned unopposed as President of the party. “We will continue as a government to govern in the interest of everyone, whatever your politics, be it NDP, ULP (Unity Labour Party) and any other party. St. Vincent and the Grenadines cannot run on the strength of half the population and this NDP will work for all Vincentians. This as leader, I pledge to you,” he told party supporters at its headquarters, Democrat House, in the capital. Eustace, who took over leadership of the NDP in October 2000, was also at the helm when the party suffered three consecutive defeats — in 2001, 2005, and 2010. But while it lost by a 12-3 margin in 2001, the party came one seat shy of the electoral victory in 2010. “They only get away by the skin of their teeth. Not again, not again,” Eustace said, telling supporters it “marks the beginning of the end” of the ULP, headed by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in power.

Courtes: www.cananewsonline.com