‘No wannabe will get rid of me from North Leeward’

The Parliamentary Representative for the constituency of North Leeward is adamant that his “wannabe” opponent cannot beat him in the upcoming general elections – regardless of what legal action he takes against him.{{more}}

Speaking at the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) rally last Saturday in Campden Park, Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews explained that he had received a letter from a lawyer who represents Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate Carlos James, which was sent in response to Matthews’ recent accusations of James being a “criminal” and not being eligible to represent the North Leeward constituency. (See related story on Front Page)

“It doesn’t matter what they do; they could write letter, they could send threats,” declared Matthews. “I am giving a message to them tonight, irregardless (sic) to what they do, that the people of North Leeward, when election come, they will elect yours truly – Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews – as their member of parliament. Me nuh ‘fraid a soul… me nuh ‘fraid yuh letter either!”

He further explained that from what he had read in the legal letter, he interpreted it to acknowledge that he had spoken the truth, but because the “criminal” incident he referred to had happened a long time ago, he should not be speaking about it.

“So, because it happen long time, you shouldn’t speak the truth?” questioned Matthews. “It also says… that certain people are not registered in the wrong constituency because they come from North Leeward, they grow up in North Leeward, and their family in North Leeward… but you notice they didn’t say born in the area, because you know why? They don’t belong to that…”

He added: “Carlos James, you are not living in North Leeward! I say it bold!”

Speaking about his own roots within the North Leeward community, Matthews asserted: “My grandfather was a fisherman, my mother [was] a domestic worker. So, tell me who just come? Wannabe coming into North Leeward, nuh even born ah Leeward, and get rid of me? Come again!”

He further boasted that there is “no question” that the NDP will form this country’s next Government because the calibre and qualifications of the NDP’s candidates make the ULP look like “small fly”.

In particular, Matthews insisted that the efforts of the ULP were not enough to keep him and MP for South Leeward Nigel Stephenson from winning their respective constituencies in the last election, so its effort would not be enough now.

“Now that things are far worse, how you going go keep us out? Nature and I, we are rooted in our constituencies!”

Sending a final message to this opponent, whom he described as “a little cock mouth boy walking around with he pants below he batty,” Matthews emphasized: “When the time come, you could give galvanize, you could give lumber, you could give cements, you could give money… when the day of reckoning and the polls are open, the people will come out in their numbers and they will support

the New Democratic Party. You know why? Better days are coming!” (JSV)