By Kimmar Carney
(L-R) Dr Joseph, Easton Farrell, and Jermaine Wade
Dr. Samuel Joseph emerged as the selectee over Jermaine Wade in the race to be considered the candidate in the upcoming by-election to fill the void left on the Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP), ticket by the retirement of political stalwart the Hon. Rueben T. Meade.
The MCAP leader had named Easton Farrell Taylor as Interim Leader who made the announcement this week, that Dr. Joseph has accepted the nomination, following the execution of ‘a’ democratic process. Speaking of the process, Mr. Taylor expressed that the “nomination by the selection panel was ratified by the MCAP on October 26.”
The Interim leader confirmed that after both Joseph and Wade agreed to the terms and conditions of the interview process, and to accept the decision of the select panel also vowing to support the candidate who was selected to represent MCAP, Dr. Joseph will be the candidate for the upcoming by-elections for which a date however has not been set.
Whilst, he did not disclose the reason behind the selection Mr. Taylor expressed that “the select panel choose Dr. Samuel Joseph as the MCAP candidate for the upcoming by election, a meeting was held on Wednesday October 26, 2016 and confirmed the decision of the selected panel.”
Hon. Victor James
But the apparent process did not meet favour with former Parliamentary Secretary Wade as earlier this week, he announced he would be seeking to serve the People of Montserrat in Opposition as an Independent candidate. He cited “confusion” in the party since the retirement of Meade as reason for his decision.
Wade contends that the process, while he agreed as described realized too late that the process was in fact rigged and he could under any condition emerge as winner. He said he discovered that there was already a selectee and should have been aware of that as being the next in line receiving the most votes in the 2014 election he was not treated with any seniority in the process formulation. Besides he continues to hear how he was marginalized during the general electionby party stalwarts.
Earlier Wade appearing on radio after he learnt of his fate for the by election from his party, virtually ended allegiance to MCAP. He explained that his decision was based on his desire to serve and obviously to further his career. “There comes a time that one has to really consider their personal development and interest in where you want to go as an individual, and how you want to represent your people.”
Other Contenders
Meanwhile on Friday, November 4, Victor James, a former Leader of the Opposition in the 2009-14 government, said he is offering himself for to fill the seat.
Newcomer to the fray though by his rich career in the calypso world he is no stranger, Keithroy ‘DeBear’ Morson has also announced his candidacy to contest the byelection. He is no stranger to contests and engaging people.
Some other names have been mentioned and yet to be confirmed.
