Daniel endorses Grace Walters as his replacement in North Windward

For months, the Vincentian rumour mill was rife with speculation that Dr. Grace Walters would be the chosen one to replace Montgomery Daniel as the Unity Labour Party’s North Windward candidate in the next General Elections. This rumour has now been partially put to rest with a statement by Daniel on Tuesday evening ,January 14, 2025 in the Parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as he delivered what is seen as his last Budget debate after about 36 years of active political service.

“This year makes 36 years that I’m in competitive politics. And I’ve been in politics more than half of my life at this time and so I believe I’ve made a contribution, and so, I will not stand for any further competitive politics in this country,” a visibly emotional Daniel told those in the House of Assembly on Tuesday.

Daniel said the education revolution has produced outstanding personalities within the constituency, and a number of them can replace him, adding, “And there’s one Grace Walters who has indicated her interest … and I say to you that I intend to give her all the support possible to ensure that constituency remains a Unity Labour Party constituency.”

Dr. Grace Walters, who is currently the administrator at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, was chosen in May, 2023, by the ULP’s North Windward constituency council as their preferred candidate for the next general elections.

The long-serving parliamentarian also spoke about the work he did or caused to be done in North Windward, noting that “for the last 24 years, I’ve made significant contributions to the constituency, not only in mortar and brick but with ensuring that there’s improved education. There’s improved housing, there’s improved access to the constituency. Poverty has been reduced. The standard of living has increased tremendously”.

Daniel, who resides in Sandy Bay, his home village, went on to state that the constituency is now more equipped with professionals, and there are now doctors in Fancy, Owia, and Sandy Bay … “something that never was there before”.

He said he believes that right-thinking people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines “would realise that Montgomery Daniel has done well,” but added, “Yes, I recognise that there is more work to be done, but there’s always work to be done. The task has not been an easy one, but we have worked well. We have produced results”.

He thanked the constituency council for their guidance and their support, “for giving me the opportunity to serve this country,” Daniel said.

“ When I came to this position, I told the constituency that I am a human being, that I will make mistakes, but it is for them to let me know where I’m going wrong.”

He said one member of the council would take him to task at almost every constituency council meeting and even at gatherings of the national council, “but that was a good of the constituency and for my representation, and so I thank the constituency council very much”.

Daniel also extended gratitude to his family for their support, saying, “I know the task has not been an easy one”, and “particularly … I want to thank the prime minister for giving me the opportunity to work with him.”

Daniel also thanked the staff of the Ministry of Transport of Works, that he has led for the last four years, stating “they have given me tremendous support to carry the Government’s programme forward. We have developed a bond and a good working relationship”.

He expressed gratitude as well to the staff at the Ministries of Agriculture, and Housing, respectively where he previously served as a minister.

He told the House, “the Ministry of Agriculture -until now they’re asking me to come back to the ministry. They’re asking me to come back to the Ministry of Housing. I’ve done my best, I’ve tried my best.”

Daniel was treated to a standing ovation from members on both sides of the House, and Opposition Senator Shevern John, spoke well of Daniel’s service. The Senator, who is also a resident of North Windward, and against whom Daniel ran and won in the 2020 General Elections, noted that Daniel is her parliamentary representative and congratulated him on his “over 30-something years of politics.

“Ive seen him greyer, yes, and his hard work I am sure, will reap benefits … and I want you to enjoy your retirement with your family and know that and pray that the Lord will continue to bless you.”