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  • Michael Joseph’s Primary Win – A Hollow Victory in Rural West

Michael Joseph’s Primary Win – A Hollow Victory in Rural West

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By Ali Sridev

In the realm of politics, victories are often celebrated with pomp and fanfare, but in the case of Michael Joseph’s recent triumph in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) primary in St. Rural West, the fanfare seems misplaced. Joseph’s win, though notable, is a faint glimmer in what appears to be a darkening political landscape for the ABLP in this crucial constituency.

The primary’s turnout tells a story of disinterest and apathy: only 623 of the 5,440 registered voters cast their ballot. Joseph’s win with 385 votes might seem significant in isolation, but it represents a mere 7% of the total electorate. This meager turnout is not just a reflection of disengagement; it’s an alarming sign of dwindling support for the ABLP, a party that once held a strong foothold in this region.

This tepid victory stands in stark contrast to the results of the previous general election. Gail Christian of the ABLP garnered 1,614 votes, while Richard Lewis of the United Progressive Party (UPP) secured a lead with 1,932 votes, in an election that saw a 67% turnout. The figures are telling: not only is the ABLP’s support base shrinking, but it’s also doing so in a political climate where voter participation is already below the national average.

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The root of this decline can arguably be traced to the economic struggles facing Antigua and Barbuda. Data from international financial organizations paint a grim picture of the nation’s economy. Persistent economic challenges, fueled by both global and local factors, have left a significant portion of the electorate disillusioned. This economic dissatisfaction, a universal catalyst for political change, is palpably tilting the scales in favor of the UPP.

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Joseph’s uphill battle is not just against a rival party gaining momentum but also against the tide of economic discontent. His primary victory, therefore, should not be seen as a cause for celebration but as a wake-up call. The real test lies ahead in the general election, where he will need to address not just the political rivalries but the underlying economic grievances of the voters.

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In conclusion, while primaries are crucial milestones, they are not definitive predictors of general election outcomes. In the case of Michael Joseph and the ABLP, this primary win might be a Pyrrhic victory, indicative of deeper troubles that lie ahead. As the general election looms, Joseph’s challenge will be to transform this hollow victory into a meaningful and resonant campaign that addresses the core issues plaguing the voters of St. Rural West. Without this, the ABLP risks fading into political obscurity, a fate all too common for parties that lose touch with the pulse of their electorate.

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One response to “Michael Joseph’s Primary Win – A Hollow Victory in Rural West”

  1. I think Ali Sridev misunderstands the process for the primary. This was not a general election so the 5000+ of the electorate would not show up at this juncture. How it works is only the registered members who have joined the ABLP party can vote in the primary, not the regular electorate. There is a difference!

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)

 

OECS MSME Guarantee Facility Project

Loan No.: IDA-62670, IDA-62660, IDA-62640, IBRD-88830, IDA-62650

Assignment Title: Senior Operating Officer (SOO)

Reference No. KN-ECPCGC-207852-CS-INDV

 

The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have received financing in the amount of US$10 million equivalent from the World Bank towards the cost of establishing a partial credit guarantee scheme, and they intend to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, and consulting services to be procured under this project. 

The consultant will serve as the “Senior Operating Officer (SOO)” for the ECPCGC and should possess extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to Micro, small and medium-sized businesses, knowledge of the internal control processes necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk mitigation procedures. The ideal candidate should possess an Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Accounting, Banking or related field, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in lending, inclusive of MSME lending. The initial employment period will be for two years on a contractual basis. Renewal of the contract will be subject to a performance evaluation at the end of the contractual period. The assignment is expected to begin on September 30th, 2021.  The consultant will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the ECPCGC.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be viewed by following the attached link below. 

 

https://bit.ly/3iVannm

 

The Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC) now invites eligible “Consultants” to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have:

  • An Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Finance, Banking or related field; and
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in MSME lending. Applicants should also have:
  • The ability to design and implement risk management procedures 
  • Extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to small and medium-sized businesses
  • Extensive knowledge of MSME banking operations
  • Knowledge of the internal controls necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk management procedures
  • Experience developing and presenting information in public, including responding to questions in real-time
  • Experience lending to MSMEs located in the ECCU
  • Knowledge of marketing and communicating with the MSME sector
  • Ability to draft procedures to be used in a lending operation
  • Familiarity with the mechanics of a loan guarantee program
  • Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, and
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite.

The attention of interested Individual Consultants is drawn to Section III, Paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016, [revised November 2017] (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Approved Selection Method for Individual Consultants set out in the clause 7.34 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. 

 

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0800 to 1700 hours:

Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation

Brid Rock, Basseterre,

St. Kitts.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form by e-mail by August 11th, 2021, to [email protected]

 

For further information, please contact:

Carmen Gomez-Trigg                                                            Bernard Thomas

Chief Executive Officer                                                          Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 868-620-8144                                                                  Tel: 869-765-2385

Email: [email protected]                                          [email protected]