NDP candidates not decided yet – Cruickshank

There is no confirmation yet on whether or not there will be any other changes in the line-up of the New Democratic Party (NDP) for the next general elections.

So said general secretary of NDP Allan Cruickshank, during a telephone interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday.

“Actually at the moment, the changing of the guard is not something that we can say specifically whether it can be done in this constituency{{more}} or that constituency… I prefer to say that there will be changes, but to say exactly where… because it depends on a lot of factors.”

Cruickshank noted that the NDP has always been conscious of changes and that change is always on the agenda for every single election.

He stated that even though general elections were just nine months ago, it’s never too early to get the candidates on the ground.

“It’s always good, in my view, to give an early indication as to what you are doing, so that people could associate themselves and it also gives the caretaker candidate more time to cement himself,” Cruickshank explained.

The NDP general secretary stated that former candidate Addison ‘Bash’ Thomas, who had contested the South Central Windward seat twice and lost, made a decision to not contest the next general election, to give way to someone else.

Last week lawyer Israel Bruce beat out Vincentian-born, British Virgin Island-based media professional Sean Rose in a race to see who will contest the seat in the South Central Windward constituency on behalf of the NDP. The seat is presently held by the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP).

“Mr Bruce, technically speaking, he didn’t have a contest,” Cruickshank explained.

He noted that because of Rose’s absence during the selection process, it was easier for Bruce, who won 100 per cent of the votes from members of the South Central Windward constituency council.

He explained that in order to be considered for selection, candidates must first express their interest in writing to the general secretary, president and the chair of the party. After this, a critical appraisal of the person would be carried out.

“You go out, make some checks, in terms of things like his assets and what type of person he is and get some feedback from the people.” (CM)