Former Prime Minister Michael Pilgrim has endorsed Stanley Felix for Castries Central, throwing his support behind the independent candidate’s bid to represent the constituency in the general election.
In a DBS address, Pilgrim praised Felix’s character as “genuine and sincere” and urged voters to choose him as their representative.
“You must vote for the candidate who possesses the following qualities: the candidate must be humble and sincere… must not be corrupt or have a history of corruption… must not be perceived to be a criminal or be associated with the crime of murder,” he said.
Pilgrim warned voters that electing the wrong candidate could lead to “a tidal wave of economic and social destruction”.
“If any person who puts himself up as a candidate does not possess (the aforementioned) qualities, he should not be considered a fit and proper person to be elected,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated, “If a candidate was rejected, dismissed or fired from a particular political party and the other political party has refused to accept him as a member, this is a red flag, as that person is not worthy to be in the ranks of that party.”
It also means both parties recognize that the candidate does not bring value or dignity to the party, Pilgrim emphasized.
“I endorse Stanley Felix for the following reasons. He’s honest, genuine and sincere. He will work for the people and not for himself. He is a gentleman and will treat you with respect. He will work in the people’s interests,” he added.
Moreover, said Pilgrim, “I have known Stanley Felix for over 40 years, and his whole family supported me… on election day when I was the SLP candidate for the election of 1979.”
The former PM pledged to campaign alongside Felix, adding, “I will walk with Stanley through the constituency without fear. I will campaign alongside Stanley on the hilltops… I did it before and I will do it again.”
Pilgrim’s endorsement is seen as a significant boost for Felix’s campaign. According to him, “I endorse… Stanley Felix as an independent candidate not because I do not love the UWP, not because I do not love the SLP, but because I love my country more.”