Matthews back again for NDP in North Leeward

Speculation as to who will be the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) candidate to contest the next general elections in North Leeward has been put to rest when the constituency council unanimously selected Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews on Wednesday evening.{{more}}

The meeting was chaired by the chairman of the constituency council and former opposition leader and NDP parliamentarian Calder Williams and took place at Elouise Harry’s building at Sharpes Village, Chateaubelair.

Close to 40 party faithfuls representing the various communities in the North Leeward area were in attendance.

After he was selected, Matthews thanked his supporters and told them that he would need their support and commitment to win the elections.

“We have to be united and steadfast in our approach because it would be an embarrassment for a candidate who was born and bred in this community to lose an election for a third time, especially in Guava crop under Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP,” Matthews said.

Williams told SEARCHLIGHT that he is elated that Matthews was chosen to be the NDP’s candidate because he is a young man who has made sacrifices to represent his people.

“He had given up his pension and cut short his studies in order to contest the 2001 elections, and that is dedication and commitment if you ask me,” the former opposition leader said.

The constituency council plans to meet soon to organize a campaign and fund-raising committee. A public meeting is slated for March 7 at the Chateaubelair playing field.