The newly formed National Progressive Movement (NPM) has merged with the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) ahead of the general election in October.
PDM leader Paul Lewis and NPM leader Donaldson Romeo made the announcement on ZJB Radio on Monday, 2 September.
In the paid political broadcast, Lewis said the newly merged party would run under the banner of the PDM, with himself as leader and Romeo as his deputy.
He explained that the decision to join the parties came about after several members of the public approached the two men asking them to work together.
“As a representative of the people, we ought to listen to the people, and we ought to act on the instructions, the expectations, the wishes of the people,” he said.
Romeo agreed, adding: “I believe honourable Lewis will allow me to give the support that’s needed where necessary.”
No reservations
Lewis said that, following a meeting, neither of the two party leaders had reservations about joining forces.
However, they both had to go back to their individual parties and “pitch the idea to them and get the okay from them”.
They then had a discussion on how they could merge the party members – as the PDM had eight candidates and the NPM had four.
That was not easy, but some candidates chose to opt out, helping the process, Lewis said.
Following that, the two parties had to look at “ways and means” of merging ideas, thought processes and plans in terms of policies and the way forward, he said.
“We were pretty much in line for most of the topics, and therefore it made it much easier to come together a little bit quicker,” he told radio listeners.
Fewer parties
Former premier Romeo had declared in February that he had plans to contest the general election as leader of a new political party, which he later named the NPM.
However, during the radio interview, he said the public had made it clear they wanted fewer political parties in Montserrat.
“We listened to all of that, and had to really sit down as men and address our differences and agree to come forward and work in unity,” he said.
The member of the opposition in the Montserrat Legislative Assembly said he had previously mentioned in parliament the need to unite.
He added that he hopes people will lend their support to the fact that both the party leaders are demonstrating what they expect when the next parliament is established.
“That all who are elected are going to find a way to work together to save Montserrat, because Montserrat is in a real precarious situation,” he said.
The remaining seven candidates will be announced on ZJB Radio on Tuesday, 3 September, and the PDM will launch its election campaign with a rally at the Salem Centre on Saturday, 7 September.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article provides impartial coverage of political activities in the lead up to the 24 October general election in Montserrat.
It does not constitute an endorsement of any party or candidate.
