BRADES, Montserrat, CMC—The leader of one of the country’s political parties, the United Alliance, former premier Reuben T Meade, has expressed confidence ahead of the October 24 general election and declared his party’s readiness to hit the ground running upon being elected to govern Montserrat’s affairs for the next five years.
“We are one week away from ending the incompetent leadership that has stagnated Montserrat’s progress over the last decade under the past two successive administrations,” Meade said. “The people of Montserrat have indicated that they have felt enough pain and are ready to feel hope again. I tell our people, ‘We have heard your cry and are here to provide the leadership you rightly deserve’.”
Meade, a former premier and chief minister, has returned to the political frontlines after constant pleading from Montserratians at home and abroad for him to restore visionary and competent leadership and put the island on a trajectory for economic success.
“The United Alliance is focused on improving life for the people of Montserrat, and our candidates have all demonstrated that they have what it takes to be part of the solution. I am immensely proud of the various experience and expertise that they bring to the table,” said the former premier
Meade also identified the immediate priorities for a United Alliance administration as addressing gaps in air and sea access to the island, restoring reliable electricity service, and advancing stalled infrastructure projects, including the seaport, hospital, and housing.
“We will hit the ground running to implement immediate solutions for these issues while doubling down to advance plans for longer-term economic and human success that will make lives better for all the people of Montserrat,” said Meade, who served as premier from 2010 to 2014, was previously Chief Minister of Montserrat from 1991 to 1996 and 2009 to 2010 when the title was changed.
He established the United Alliance earlier this year with a mission to implement a strategy and roadmap for the sustainable development of Montserrat, in which all people will have the opportunity to live wholesome and productive lives based on the principles of universal love, respect, empathy, equity, self-reliance, and creativity.
Ahead of the upcoming poll, 33 candidates have successfully been nominated to be on the ballot for the general election.
The nomination exercise took place on October 10, and the Montserrat Electoral Commission confirmed the names and occupations of the candidates whose nominations were approved on its website earlier this week.
The ruling Movement For Change And Prosperity (MCAP), now under the leadership of Dr Samuel Joseph, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Communication, Works Energy and Labour, submitted a full slate of nine candidates.
and then 