Former senior civil servant Debra Sharlene Lewis has announced her plans to contest the upcoming general election in Montserrat as an independent candidate.
She said she has left the National Progressive Movement (NPM) because despite wanting to support the party, she “just couldn’t see a path forward”.
Lewis, who joined Donaldson Romeo’s newly formed party in May, said her decision was not made lightly and came after “much reflection and consideration”.
In a political statement on ZJB Radio on 26 August, she said she is now the third person to withdraw from the NPM.
“Like the others, I too with time, had my personal misgivings, but having thrown in my lot early on with NPM, I was prepared and committed to go all the way with the party,” she said.
“In the recent past, however, I have observed and experienced significant issues with the internal dynamics and the leadership of the party, that I simply cannot ignore.
“These factors have led me to believe that the direction of the party no longer aligns with core values of strong leadership, loyalty and integrity.”
Growing hardship
Lewis has worked in the civil service as a development officer, policy analyst, head of the Office of the Deputy Governor, and director of external affairs.
“I recall, as Montserrat’s director of external affairs, sitting in high level caucuses across the Caribbean and at the United Nations, where leaders with integrity and courage would speak up and speak their minds.
“The growing social and economic hardship in our country places Montserrat at a very important crossroad, and so this is perhaps the most crucial election ever in our history.
“Strength and integrity in leadership and elections are therefore vital as they set a moral compass on which the new parliament must stand,” she said.
When she joined the NPM earlier this year, it was her first time in the political arena as an electoral candidate.
In her statement, Lewis said that transparency and open dialog are essential, and as a newcomer she refuses to engage in the old way of doing politics.
Top priorities
Lewis said that her commitment to serving Montserrat at the highest level of government remains “unwavering and without question”.
“My dedication to rebuilding resilient infrastructure, generating wealth…, growing the economy, and safeguarding the most vulnerable among us continue to be some of my top priorities,” she said.
She told radio listeners that she understands her decision may come as a surprise to some, so is “more than willing” to discuss her reasons in greater detail with anyone who has questions or concerns.
The newly independent candidate invited residents to share their feedback at her office, located beside the chicken shop in Little Bay.
“Let me remind you, that the time has now come for us to put country ahead of self, family and political party,” she concluded.
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.
