I come to you after much reflection and after further consultation with my close family and loved ones. In 2007 I was proud to answer the call to serve and stand as your selected candidate in the then upcoming General Elections of 2009. Though not initially successful, I was able to answer your call to serve as caretaker for the constituency leading up to the General Elections of 2014 in which we held the seat and again in 2018. I am proud to have been selected by you and honoured by the trust and faith you and most residents placed in me over the years. Indeed, I am heartened by your unwavering commitment to me even having lost the last general elections in 2023.
However, we live in a Parliamentary Democracy where the majority speaks. I must recognize the clear message sent to me at the last polls. I know you believe in me and are aware of the challenges I have faced over the recent years. Despite this I remain satisfied that under the Antigua Labour Party stewardship, the constituency has grown, and the people of the constituency have greatly benefited. I am sure that history, in time, will confirm this.
However, today I have significantly different personal circumstances than when I first answered the call to serve the good people of St. Mary’s South. Today, with a young family I consider the time has come for me to step aside and allow others to carry forth the fight to improve living standards and maintain educational and employment opportunities that will allow the good people within St. Mary’s South to grow.
It is for this reason that I now step-down from the caretaker position that I have served in and accordingly I will not contest the up coming By Election. However, I will support and render all possible assistance to any person you select and hope by taking this step now you are afforded a reasonable opportunity to make an appropriate selection of another who is willing and ready to serve.
I remain committed to the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, the people of St. Mary’s South and most of all the people of Antigua and Barbuda as a whole. It is my intention to continue to give service in any other way that my Party and my People may see fit.
Bodybuilder Dwayne George will replace her against Kelvin “Shugy” Simon in the by-election.
Yours Comradeship
