Matthews says thanks to Arnhim Eustace at NDP Convention

FORMER New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament for North Leeward, Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews, has showered praise on the party’s retired political leader, Arnhim Eustace for the role he played in his (Mathews’) political life.

Matthews who lost the seat in the 2020 general elections to Carlos James of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), was among speakers at the open session of the NDP convention, held on Sunday,October 13, 2024 at the Petit Bordel Playing Field.

Stating that his speech on Sunday was his “last political hurrah”, Matthews thanked his family, and the people of North Leeward for their show of love and support during his time as their representative.

Additionally, he said, “ I want to thank all my colleagues from 2001 to now, who have stood by my side; but none more so than the Honourable Arnhim Eustace, who is today in his twilight years.”

“Mr Eustace, if you are listening to Patel Matthews, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you have given me in allowing me to grow from strength to strength.”

Matthews, who resides in Petit Bordel, in the North Leeward constituency, recalled that he joined the party in 1986, as a foundation member of theYoung Democrats.

“When I just entered politics in 2001, I was tossed into the political ocean with not even a paddle.”

Matthews recounted the lonesome struggle then, as some persons in the party failed to support him.

Matthews contested five elections as the NDP’s candidate for North Leeward. He lost in his first outing in 2001 and also in 2005, and in the last general elections in 2020.

“Brothers and sisters, the hallmark of my political career… is on the day in 2010 when I was declared victor of the North Leeward seat,” he told cheering supporters at the party’s convention.

Matthews also spoke about the challenges he faced during his tenure as Member of Parliament for North Leeward.

The NDP has chosen Dr Kishore Shallow to be their candidate for North Leeward in the upcoming general elections.

During the convention on Sunday, Matthews symbolically handed over the key, the party’s symbol, and the torch to Shallow, who will endeavour to reclaim the North Leeward seat for the NDP.