ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer is expected to make his decision soon on which of three potential candidates will represent the St Mary’s North Constituency – an issue that has caused a rift within the branch.
According to Public Relations Officer for the UPP’s St Marty’s North constituency branch Rolston Paige, Spencer held talks with the current Member of Parliament for All Saints East & St Luke, Chester Hughes and Algernon Roberts on Saturday and met with Dr Philmore Benjamin yesterday.
“I spoke to one individual and he was very reluctant to share what they discussed (Saturday) with me. (PM Spencer) is expected to meet with Dr Benjamin and judging from what I am hearing, he will make a decision in terms of who is going forward,” Paige said yesterday.
The governing United Progressive Party (UPP) has moved to stem divisions in its St Marty’s North constituency branch in the wake of public protests against Hughes.
While speaking on Snake Pit over the weekend, Paige said he was aware before Thursday’ night protest at a UPP meeting in Cashew Hill, which was organised by branch members who believe Dr Benjamin should be the candidate.
He described this as unfortunate and suggested that a poll may be necessary to quell brewing divisions.
However, one of Dr Benjamin’s campaigners Nalda Jarvis, who was a part of the protest, said feedback indicates he has strong support in the constituency.
“Dr Benjamin is getting very good response, especially from the younger people,” Jarvis said.
(More in today’s Daily OBSERVER)
