James says he is ready to work, unlike his opponent

Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Leeward Carlos James says he’s prepared to roll up his sleeves, and work hard to develop the constituency, unlike the constituency’s parliamentary representative Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews.{{more}}

James, a new-comer to the political arena, while addressing a campaign rally in Chateaubelair on Sunday, August 30, accused Matthews of being lazy, and a man that neglects his duties as MP for the constituency.

James boasted about the ULP’s response to the people of North Leeward in the aftermath of the December 2013 trough system, which severely affected that constituency and had also claimed the lives of 12 persons.

James said that in the aftermath of the floods, his ruling party raised over $230 million to assist persons who were affected.

“You know what is most alarming, is in that tragic period, we had a man sitting down on his shop steps in Petit Bordel and said he is not taking down any names for persons who are affected in the disaster.

“He said that was not his job. He even refused to visit certain parts of his old village. And if yo’ think I lie, go an ask the people in Petit Bordel when last Patel Matthews visited them there,” James said.

James, who is also a lawyer, chalked up Matthews’s behaviour to “laziness” and stated that it was a clear indication of Matthews’s neglect of his duties as MP for the North Leeward.

“That is just one example, but it is an example that is strong enough to fire him. And I want you to go to the polls, whenever the bell is rung, to go out and make the statement. Patel Matthews, you are are fired. One term for Patel,” James told ULP party supporters.

He further said the business of politics and leadership is not a “joke business.”

“It is a business that calls for real people; serious people who understand issues. You have to have love in your hearts and you have to be dedicated to the struggles, and understanding the people who you want to represent.

“Not to isolate yourself from the people and feel you more than them because they voted for you, and now you sit down on your shop steps and believe they are going to vote for you again?” James added.

James spoke highly of several programmes started under the ULP, including: the Farmers Support Company and also the Agriculture Modernization Programme.

Among other things James told the supporters that he will focus his efforts on the rehabilitation of banana and continuing the ULP’s policy of land distribution.

He also announced his plans to work with the farmers and fisherfolk in the constituency. James said the NDP has also placed blamed on the Government for the non-operating fishing complex in that community.

James said it did not make sense for someone from the Fisheries Department to drive to North Leeward every day to manage the building.

“I say the building belongs to you. It’s your building and you have to come together and form yourselves into cooperatives and see how we can manage it,” James said.

“Collectively, we can work together here in North Leeward to ensure that the development processes of this administration trickle down to benefit you, the people of North Leeward,” he said.

He also spoke on the Chateaubelair Town Rehabilitation Project — the expansion of the Chateaubelair port of entry, rehabilitation of the Chateaubelair Hospital, and other related improvements.

James also spoke of jobs becoming available at the Argyle International Airport, and the Peter’s Hope and Mt Wynne projects, for which young persons can apply.

“I want to see young people employed. I want to see young people empowered. I want to see young people fly,” he added.

“Let me tell you something; if an NDP government forms office tomorrow, you will not even get a cent. I want you to vote and ensure the ULP continue to take care of the poor and marginalized people of this country.

“This is my solemn promise to you that I mean business. Leadership at a constituency level is important, just as leadership at the national level. And if Eustace say ask Ralph, Patel going say ask James!” (KW)