Thousands turned out Sunday at the Micoud Playing Field for what could be quite possibly the largest political rally this season. The occasion was the official launching of the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) Micoud South candidate Dr. Shanda Lee Harracksingh who hails from that community.
The Desruisseaux born hopeful was massively supported by a number of the other SLP candidates who came with their supporters in toe, including recently launched Vieux Fort South first-timer Danny Butcher, Ernest Hilaire, Kenson Casimir, Moses JnBaptiste among others.
Following a spell of well-received entertainment the candidates took to the stage, one by one, assuring Micoud South that Harracksingh was the perfect representative for their constituency.
Outgoing SLP Micoud South candidate Guibion Ferdinand, who was unsuccessful in his attempts at winning the seat, had his time at the mic to symbolically say farewell to the constituents. In his contribution, Ferdinand had every confidence that the newcomer would be successful, particularly having the benefit of those who went before her and others who worked tirelessly in the constituency. Ferdinand singled out quite a few individuals including himself, Cas Elius and Lelia Harracksingh, mother of the new candidate, who was once a candidate for that very seat.
Jeremiah Norbert, the parliamentary Representative for Micoud, had no doubt both Micoud seats would be red after the upcoming general elections. Norbert made sure to tell Micoud South residents that a representative who could not communicate in their native language was unable to adequately satisfy their community needs.
In officially accepting the nomination, Dr Shanda Lee Harracksingh expressed gratitude for the support but was clear that the talent evident in Micoud South meant that the constituency had the capacity to showcase its own leaders and did not require a representative that could not relate to needs of the people.
Harracksingh spoke eloquently of her history in Creole, while seemingly taking jabs at the current representative about his ability to pronounce the names of some of the communities he represents. She cites that as a lack of interest and a lack of respect for the constituency.
Dr. Harracksingh went on to speak on the many proposed projects earmarked for Micoud South including those related to the tourism Industry.
Harracksingh impressed that she was not averse to serving her community as she grew up in Desruisseaux witnessing her mother, a practicing nurse at the time, helping community members on a daily basis and in many instances throughout the night.