NDP names new Senator to replace Anesia Baptiste

As passionate as he was about the issues outside of the House of Assembly, expect newly appointed New Democratic Party (NDP) Senator, Dr Linton Lewis, to be the same inside of the House.{{more}}

Lewis pointed this out, during an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday evening, as he reflected on a major milestone in his eleven-year political career.

“I’ve always given my contribution outside of Parliament on issues related to Constitutional reform, VAT, the financial market and other issues. I want to continue to give that sort of service and make that contribution inside of Parliament this time.

“I am very grateful to the number of persons who over the years have showed support for me, and would like to indicate that I would make a difference in the House. The confidence that they have shown in me, I appreciate it greatly, and I will endeavour to ensure that the contribution that I make in the House of Parliament is what people expect of me.”

Earlier this week, Leader of the Opposition and President of the New Democratic Party Arnhim Eustace brought weeks of speculation to an end, when he announced that Lewis will replace Anesia Baptiste, who had her senatorial appointment revoked in April.

Lewis indicated that he is looking forward to making his contributions in the House, and hopes that his input in debates and other exercises of the House would be of major benefits to the NDP and himself.

Since entering the political arena in 2001, he has three times been unsuccessful at the polls. He hopes that this latest move would turn the tide.

“I was pleased with the appointment and I look forward to serving the people in St Vincent and the Grenadines in the House of Parliament.

“I hope that I do not disappoint people; I hope that the contribution that I would make will greatly assist in the NDP winning the next general election in a clear and unequivocal manner.

“I am hoping that it not only assists the party to win, but it will improve significantly my own chances in the constituency of East St George.”

Lewis unsuccessfully contested the East St George seat for the NDP against the Unity Labour Party’s Clayton Burgin in 2005 and 2010. In 2001, his first outing at the polls, he ran against the ULP’s Michael Browne in the West St George constituency.

A lawyer and chartered accountant by profession, and President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Bar Association, Lewis says that he hopes to be a part of a parliament that deals in fairness and equity, and justice, in the manner in which opportunities are awarded to persons on both sides of the table.

“I am just hoping to be a part of a parliament that isn’t loose and biased and so on.

“I would like to know that in Parliament one deals with the interest of the country… and to have more harmonious conduct in Parliament…. I hope to be part of a parliament that focuses on the issues and bring a lot more truth to the people of St Vincent.”

When asked in his capacity as Chairman of the NDP, about leadership succession in the NDP, the Senator pointed out that this was not the current focus of the party.

“The party is more concerned about the plight of Vincentians, improving the lives of Vincentians and making their lives better off, as opposed to focusing on succession planning at this time. Anything to do with succession will take its own course.”(JJ)