Local attorney, Wayne Harrow, says he’s ready to take on the Vieux Fort South parliamentary seat and is hoping to edge out his competitor, Leanna Johannes, or “Lady Lee”, so he could represent the United Workers Party once the elections are called.
Harrow, who appeared on ‘NewsMaker Live’ this week, said unlike the present representative, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, and other United Workers Party (UWP) candidates, he has roots in Vieux Fort.
But he knows that choosing a candidate for the upcoming election, which is constitutionally due in 2026, requires a close look.
“She [Johannes] has decided to exercise the right to apply and I have done the same and I respect the process,” Harrow said.
Harrow said he was initially approached by the party in 2006.
“I was approached by the United Workers Party to run the Vieux Fort seat and there [were] people out there [who told] me that wasn’t my best year to try. You can have all the degrees in the world… if you do not have that experience… you’ll make wrong decisions,” the lawyer said.
Furthermore, he admitted, “I did not understand the landscape. Right now, having served with the United Workers Party [at] different levels… I understand the politics. I understand what it entails now to really be a district rep.”
Harrow said he is disappointed in the representation the community has received over the years, and “I believe I can do a better job, much better than the present district rep. has done.”
Additionally, he stated, “It is something I have been contemplating for many years.”
Harrow said he has built a strong connection with residents and is fully aware of their concerns.
“I’ve participated I believe in every aspect of the development of Vieux Fort, whether it is in carnival, calypso, sports – just name it, I have been part and parcel of the fabric of Vieux Fort for many years. From my early days at primary school… that is basically where my trajectory into community development began,” he explained.
“I served as the President of the Youth and Sports Council… [I also] served on the disaster committee in Vieux Fort,” he added.
He was also a part of the Southern Tourism Development Corporation and “more recently… a Chairman of the Board of Directors for St. Jude Hospital where… I have to say it was not a bed of roses.”
“I stood very firm and with the help of the Ministry and the Minister of Health at the time, and the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance… we were able to stabilise. Again, it was at the stadium… it’s not the best place, but we were able to stabilise and ensure that all the issues we [had] with the National Workers Union, the SLMTA, we were able to resolve it to the satisfaction of all parties,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Harrow declared, “I believe I’m in a community that [has] been dealt the wrong hands. We should be better and further ahead but I understand what is going on. I don’t have to go to people and say… what do you expect from your district rep. [or] what do you expect from the SLP, UWP, Dr. Anthony, or anybody? I know because I’ve been listening to them for years.”
And whilst he has called out the parliamentary representative, Harrow said he respects him, and “I’m not going to disparage Dr Anthony in any way, shape or form. My disagreement with Dr Anthony is his policy prioritisation when it comes to Vieux Fort.”
Meanwhile, “Lady Lee” from Hot FM, emphasised last year, that she is “more than just a voice behind the microphone.”
At a Town Hall Meeting in Bexon on September 15, 2024, the radio announcer told supporters “I want to run that seat, that is why I am here today.”
Harrow says he’ll offer his full support to Johannes if he is not chosen by the UWP.
“I prefer to stay as an applicant and see the process go through with ‘Lady Lee’ and whoever is chosen. If she is chosen I will have no choice but to accept the process and that’s basically what it is… I will not be bitter.”
Although he will be disappointed if he’s not chosen in the end, “This is my party and I will stay with my party to fight alongside whoever is selected… I’ve done it from 2001 when I joined the United Workers Party,” Harrow stated.
Last year, the UWP revealed that Rosh Clarke (from Wilton’s Yard) will be challenging the Castries Central seat.
Former Customs Comptroller, Peter Chiquot, will take on Castries East.
Guy Joseph, Dominic Fedee, Bradly Felix, Herod Stanislas and Political Leader Allen Chastanet, will also represent the party at the polls.