By Makeida Antonio
A well-known member of the St Peter constituency who had previously been tipped to run for the seat on an ABLP ticket has pledged to continue to play her part in nation building.
Journalist and tourism official Shermain Jeremy’s name was absent from the incumbent party’s slate of candidates released last weekend. Rawdon Turner has instead been picked to contest the seat currently held by embattled MP Asot Michael.
Yesterday, Jeremy responded to views stated by political analyst Arvel Grant who said he was disappointed Jeremy would not be representing the party.
He said, had she been chosen, the ABLP would have almost reached the 35 percent target in the minimum number of female participants in general elections as recommended by the United Nations.
Jeremy told Observer that it is pivotal to the country’s development to have more women invested in political interests.
“The reality is, gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential to human development and it is a basic human right. Having more female representation in leadership roles and more so in politics, where so many policies and high-level decisions are made about the future of its people and its country, we need to have more women involved,” Jeremy said on Monday.
The former Queen of Carnival had indicated in 2020 that she would be willing to run.
And yesterday Jeremy reiterated that her role as a native of St Peter in developing the constituency will continue despite the party picking someone else.
“At this time Rawdon Turner is at the forefront; he has the party’s support. That doesn’t negate my ability to continue to play my part as a passionate citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. We all have a role to play in nation building whether on the political ticket or in a political arena or not,” she noted.
Jeremy said she would like to see a developed St Peter where the constituents are content and successful in their personal endeavours in the future.
“When it comes to St Peter, it is my home. My early years were molded in Parham, and it is a huge part of who I am as a woman today. I want what’s best for the people of St Peter, I want to see them thrive and I see that happening for them in the future and that’s what matters,” she added.
