Tears flow as Luke Browne speaks about his grandmother

Giving what was considered by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the best maiden speech ever delivered by a new political candidate, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) hopeful for the East Kingstown Constituency, Luke Browne, said that he is ready to take up the challenge of becoming the area’s next representative.{{more}}

Browne, speaking in the Walvaroo area of Sion Hill last Sunday October 24, said that he is ready to stake his claim in parliament, following the next general elections, which is constitutionally due by March 2011.

The Rhodes Scholar will first have to defeat the incumbent, Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace, if he is to carry out the promises he made to the persons gathered at the freshly cleared parcel of land where he delivered his address, a task that he indicated that he is up to.

“The fact that we are here tonight shows that we are ready to break new ground…. That we are ready to solidify our clean up campaign; including our bid to clean up 12 years of misrepresentation in this constituency.”

“Comrades, I’ve been waiting for this moment…. I want to dedicate my life to improving the conditions in which the people of East Kingstown live.”

Browne acknowledged that there was a lot of work to be done in the constituency, and outlined a number of areas where he would endeavour to make the lives of the people more comfortable.

He promised, among other things, to increase the security of the residents, by having more street lights installed in dark areas especially in the Sion Hill Bay area.

“Many of our young women think that there is a threat to their safety, and light will be coming to that area as we move forward.”

“The pan yard facility at Sion Hill is going to be realized.”

“We have a plan for long term development. We recognize that the best and the most promising future could come not through the representation that I am able to give you exclusively, but the work that we will do exclusively and as a people in this constituency going forward.”

The night had its own emotional moment, when Browne, 24, the ULP’s youngest candidate, was moved to tears when he spoke of his deceased grandmother, whom he said was a tower of strength in his life.

A sobbing Browne was consoled by Education Minister Girlyn Miguel, who had her own emotional moment while on the platform in her Marriaqua constituency a few weeks ago.(JJ)