President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace formally introduced the party’s two newest candidates to the public at an NDP rally in Sion Hill on Thursday.{{more}}

Lauren Baptiste, an agriculturist and resident of Sandy Bay, will be the candidate for North Windward and educator Julian “Jules” Ferdinand will run in West St George.

“We in the New Democratic Party have been preparing ourselves and we recognize that it may not be long before we have to go to the polls … and we know that we have to make some changes in the persons who represent us in Parliament,” Eustace said.

Eustace described Baptiste as a hard-working individual.

“And I know him coming from Sandy Bay he will bring home that seat in the next general elections,” the leader of the opposition said.

Eustace added that he knew that Ferdinand was already well known as, among other things, he has been a newspaper columnist.

He said he was pleased to have both men as candidates and said they were very competent and would help the NDP to win the next elections.

“There is a process that we have to go through … there comes a time when we have to make a change and this is the first part of our change and I am very pleased and very proud of these two gentlemen who are here before you tonight,” Eustace said.

Ferdinand, in his first public address since the formal announcement of his candidacy, said it was his distinct honour to be working with the committee and the people of West St George.

“I have already gone and seen some of them … I have heard some of your cries … I have listened to your advice and this comes as a good time as any to say thanks,” Ferdinand said.

He said that he brought a strong message of love.

“Love of country, love for all, even those that have done you wrong…

“It is hard to swallow, but we will not duplicate the evils that have been done,” Ferdinand said.

“We walk a higher plane, we walk a better plane, we plan a further vision, not just to be elected or re-elected but we plan for what I describe as the seven generations.

“So when we are in management of the affairs of the country, we think of our children and grandchildren, so that the decisions that are made now will not jeopardize their chances of succeeding in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Baptiste said that the people of North Windward were ready for change.

“My selection as a candidate has been worries and problems for the ULP (Unity Labour Party) … they are running scared trying to bribe the people with material … lumber, cement and galvanize,” he said.

“But today, the people of North Windward are ready for real jobs, not bribes for votes,” Baptiste added.

He said that the people of that constituency were ready to end the victimization and vindictive ULP, adding that the current administration had failed in that constituency.

General elections are constitutionally due in 2015. (DD)